Justice Action and Prison Action & Reform are not satisfied with the review and will present an independent report to Parliament in August, based upon interviews with prisoners, prison staff and concerned community members.Community based criminal justice organisation Justice Action and prison lobby group Prison Action & Reform express disappointment with the recent findings of a government report by former Tasmanian Police Assistant Commissioner Luppo Prins into the recent siege at Risdon Prison in Tasmania.
Spokespersons Caroline Dean and Brett Collins agree the review did nothing to understand the underlying issues that caused the incident nor progress prison reform.
"There was no mention of prisoners and why they felt it necessary to take such drastic action to bring national attention to the inadequate conditions and systemic cultural problems within the Tasmanian prison system", Caroline Dean said. "The Attorney has admitted this situation could reoccur and yet she has done nothing to understand the circumstances surrounding the event. It is clear the department has no real interest in changing the culture of the prison despite their rhetoric."
The Attorney General announced an "...independent review of the events contributing to the hostage incident at Risdon Prison..." on 18 May 2005.
Brett Collins and Caroline Dean said the report was not independent and only focused on bureaucratic and procedural security matters, excluding facts embarrassing to the Government.
Justice Action and Prison Action & Reform are not satisfied with the review and will present an independent report to Parliament in August, based upon interviews with prisoners, prison staff and concerned community members.
By Prison Action and Reform Tasmania and JA 29 July 05
Contacts:
PRISON ACTION & REFORM
Caroline Dean 0439 473 938
Vickie Douglas 0403 401 414
JUSTICE ACTION
Brett Collins 02 9660-9111 0438 705 003
Related:
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Corrected or Corrupted
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