A Greens’ RTI shows the Liberals have failed to act on the staff shortage crisis in the Tasmanian corrections system, with more than 6,000 lockdowns occurring in prisons in the last year for the second year in a row.
The number of lockdowns over four hours due to staff shortages went up from 2,475 to 2,614 across prisons – from 6 to 7 per day, according to our RTI. Of the lockdowns over four hours, 95% were caused by staff shortages. The total hours of lockdowns caused by staff shortages went up from 16,156 to 19,263.
The number of lockdowns occurring in Tasmanian prisons is shockingly high. We know that repeated and extended lockdowns are having real consequences for Tasmanians in custody. They result in clear breaches of human rights and have terrible impacts on prisoners’ mental health.
This RTI shows that extended lockdowns are almost entirely caused by staff shortages. The number and length of lockdowns caused by staff shortages are only getting worse in Tasmanian prisons. It’s an appalling situation.
The Custodial Inspector and advocates have been warning about the issues with lockdowns in our prisons for years. But our RTI shows that things are only getting worse.
The Liberal Government has failed to take the action needed to reduce staff shortages. It’s simply not good enough that the Liberals are continuing to allow people to be mistreated and human rights abuses to occur on their watch in Tasmanian prisons.
Tasmanians expect more of their government. The Liberal Government must take action to reduce staff shortages in Tasmanian prisons and the number and length of lockdowns.
