The Tasmanian Government has announced it will not proceed with the planned new Northern Correctional Facility and will instead prioritise the modernisation of existing facilities, expanding rehabilitation and reintegration programs, and updating operational systems to better serve the community.
Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Madeleine Ogilvie said the strategic decision is supported by a 5% decrease in the prisoner population from its peak.
“The Government will instead prioritise upgrading and enhancing Tasmania’s existing correctional system and invest in rehabilitation opportunities and reducing reoffending rates, ultimately contributing to greater community safety,” she said.
“We have seen the positive impacts of the programs and strategies in place in reducing reoffending and keeping Tasmanians safe. These include our technologically-advanced Home Detention Orders and Electronic Monitoring program.
“By harnessing state-of-the-art monitoring technology, this program significantly enhances the safety of the community by allowing precise, real-time tracking of offenders through ankle-monitoring devices. This ensures that those on home detention are closely monitored, reducing the risk of reoffending and providing an extra layer of protection to the public.”
Additional electronic monitoring devices will expand the service, offering courts more sophisticated and flexible sentencing options, said the Minister.
“To further modernise the correctional system, the Government will also invest in advanced in-cell technology, including the introduction of video calling capabilities. This initiative will allow prisoners to maintain regular contact with their families, particularly those from different regions, through secure and reliable communication channels, and better engage with lawyers and the justice process.”
“By enabling stronger family connections through video calls, this technology will support the rehabilitation process, reduce recidivism, and assist in the reintegration of offenders into society.”
The Government will also upgrade and repurpose an existing facility into a residential alcohol and drug treatment centre, which a Non-Government Organisation will operate.
Funding will be provided to employ additional staff to offer more opportunities for training, education, and activities across correctional sites.
Minister Ogilvie said the Tasmanian Government remains committed to ensuring there is a strong pipeline of work in Northern Tasmania that creates and sustains employment and boosts the local economy – particularly in the Meander Valley Region.
“The Government will now explore future construction opportunities on the existing Ashley Youth Detention Centre site following its planned closure, including minimum-security facilities, the relocation of the Launceston Reception Prison, as well as an option for an additional residence for women which will assist in the reintegration of women back into their local communities,” she said.
“We expect to consult broadly with respect to any future investments in relation to the AYDC site.
“We will continue to work with the private sector to unlock large-scale construction projects across northern Tasmania, including the meander valley region, to promote economic development and job creation, complementing public infrastructure projects that are underway, such as the $580 million redevelopment at the Launceston General Hospital and a new $80 million Mental Health Precinct.”
Tasmania to refocus corrections investment
