Prisoners from Risdon Prison and Prison Action & Reform (PAR) in Tasmania have requested support from the Australian Prisoners Union and Justice Action following the siege in the prison ending on May 9."Prisoners and prison officers have had their lives put at risk in the siege. It appears that communication channels have been neglected in the Tasmanian Corrective Services Division" said Mr Collins of the Australian Prisoners Union.
"Communication appears to be the problem. We have found that with mutual respect and community access, prison systems function better. That improves prisoners' chances of survival and a safer community when they are released." said Mr Collins.
A delegation has travelled to Hobart to meet with groups and will talk with prisoners, their families and the administration to assist in lowering the tension in the system. They attended Risdon Prison last Sunday May 22 at 10am.
For comments:
Brett Collins 0438 705003
Kat Armstrong 0428 312035
By Justice Action posted 24 May 05
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