The Custodial Inspector has exposed unacceptable practises of private security staff in transporting children and young people in custody. Yet in Parliament, the Premier would not commit to phasing out the use of private security officers or legislating against spit hoods as recommended.
Reports that private security officers had created an improvised spit hood using a young person’s t-shirt were deeply distressing. Spit hoods are a dangerous violation of human rights, and they simply shouldn’t be used in Tasmanian prisons.
The Department of Education, Children and Young People has failed to provide proper oversight of these security contractors. Concerns were raised multiple times, and yet nothing was done.
To ensure children are treated with respect and dignity, the Custodial Inspector recommended the use of private security officers be phased out and legislation be introduced to ban spit hoods. Yet the Premier would not commit to this under Greens’ questioning in Parliament.
After the Commission of Inquiry, the Premier promised his government would take action to keep children safe. It’s just not good enough that he’s trying to kick these urgently needed reforms down the road.
Premier Rockliff must fully adopt the recommendations of the Custodial Inspector to ensure the safety of children and young people in custody during transportation. Spit hoods should be banned under legislation, and the use of private security officers needs to be phased out, now.
