Tasmania’s correctional service operated an “unsanctioned” punishment regime within one of its high security units, the state’s prisons watchdog says.
The revelation was included in Custodial Inspector Richard Connock’s latest annual report, which identified several breaches of international standards, and other issues of concern.
Mr Connock said his inspection team was alerted to the “Hostile Management Regime” by a teenager being held in the high security unit, known as Tamar, at the Risdon Prison Complex.
“The teenager spoke about having their mattress taken away from them for days and only having two canvas blankets,” Mr Connock said.
“There were no personal items allowed in the cell.
“They said they had to lie face down on the ground with their hands behind their back before their cell door was opened.”
The Tamar unit is used by the Tasmanian Prison Service (TPS) to house inmates identified as being a high risk to safety, security, and order, such as those who assault fellow prisoners.
“They are separated from other people in custody as a punishment or for the good order and safety of the prison,” Mr Connock said.
The Custodial Inspector’s annual report has raised several concerns about conditions in Tasmania’s prisons. (AdobeStock)
Following Mr Connock’s enquiries about the teenager’s treatment, the TPS acknowledged the regime had been operating outside of its own rules.
“It confirmed there was a Hostile Management Regime but advised that it was an unsanctioned practice that was contrary to its policies and procedures,” Mr Connock said.
“TPS advised us that the use of the regime was stopped following us raising it.”
Mr Connock encouraged people with knowledge of the regime, including staff and people in custody, to contact his office.
“We will be reviewing this issue as it raised potential human rights concerns.”
‘Collective punishment’ and excessive lockdowns
Mr Connock’s report also said inmates were regularly being subjected to excessive lockdowns and a “disturbingly low” amount of time outside their cells.
Prisoners were supposed to get between eight and nine hours out of their cells each day, but were only getting an average of about half that amount.
That was because they were often being placed in lockdowns for multiple days, contrary to the Corrections Act and international standards, he said.
“We have consistently heard from both prisoners and staff of the damaging psychological and physical impacts of these lockdowns.
“A particularly troubling aspect of lockdowns is that people in [Risdon Prison] cannot call their family and friends when they are locked in their unit or cell.”
Richard Connock is retiring from his role as Tasmania’s Custodial Inspector. (ABC News)
In one case, Mr Connock said 23 high security inmates were placed in lockdown for a day because some of them had made sexist remarks towards female correctional officers.
He said it was a form of “collective punishment” given some of the cohort were not involved.
Mr Connock said the lockdown was contrary to United Nations rules for the treatment of prisoners.
Other issues raised in his report included:
- Years-long delays in investigations of staff concerning allegations of child sexual assault at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
- Some inmates who swallowed razor blades were placed in holding cells without access to intercoms to call for help in the event of an emergency.
- Risk assessments were not always conducted prior to people sharing cells, including one case when an inmate was seriously assaulted.
Mr Connock says a lockdown of 23 high security inmates was contrary to United Nations rules for the treatment of prisoners. (
ABC News: Luke Bowden
)
Prison service accused of ‘barbaric conduct’
Greg Barns SC, who chairs the Tasmanian Prisoners Legal Service, said the Custodial Inspector’s report highlighted ongoing human rights concerns within Tasmania’s prison system.
“This is barbaric conduct,” Mr Barns said.
“It is the sort of conduct that one does not expect to see in a society that pretends to be a democracy underpinned by the rule of law.”
Greens MP Cecily Rosol, who is the party’s corrections spokesperson, described the report as “shocking”.
“The Greens are disturbed to see that significant problems in the corrections that have been identified by the Custodial Inspector for years are continuing,” Ms Rosol said.
“Whether it’s isolation of children at Ashley, lockdowns at Risdon Prison, health and safety risks for prisoners and staff, or failures of policy, it’s clear the government continues to ignore major issues.”
Cecily Rosol says the government “continues to ignore major issues” when it comes to prisons. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
In response to the Custodial Inspector’s findings, a spokesperson for the TPS said it was working to improve the state’s corrections system.
“TPS works with staff to provide guidance, training, and support, including if systemic problems arise and will continue working to improve our corrections system,” they said.
Corrections Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said she was committed to addressing the issues raised in the report.
“Our top priority is to keep Tasmanians safe, and the Department of Justice continues to provide advice to me on any further improvements that can be made to ensure our prison system operates as efficiently, effectively, and humanely as possible.”
Madeleine Ogilvie says the government’s “top priority is to keep Tasmanians safe”. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)
The annual report will be the last by Mr Connock, who is retiring from his role as Tasmania’s first Custodial Inspector.
He said many “significant improvements” had taken place because of his office’s recommendations.
“An independent body shining a light into closed places is critical to build trust that the human rights of people deprived of their liberty are upheld, and when they aren’t, that there is accountability and action to address any failings,” he said.
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