Ms ROSOL – I have a question relating to the bunks that are being placed in Ron Barwick Prison. In 2021 the Custodial Inspector released the capacity utilisation review and noted that none of the five custodial centres in Tasmania meet the minimum cell size for cell type. The standard guidelines for prison facilities in Australia and New Zealand set the minimum size for a one-person cell is 8.75 square metres and at least 12.75 square metres. The cells being converted at Ron Barwick are less than this at only 7.5 square metres, effectively smaller than a car parking space. In view of that, minister, how can you justify converting cells that are already too small for one person into double-occupancy cells? Did you consider any other options such as modular accommodation or temporary relocations?
Mr BARNETT – Thanks very much for the question. I appreciate that and you’ve certainly raised an important point that we take seriously. In terms of imprisonment, of course that’s always the last resort and in terms of the prison capacity and the numbers, it’s obviously challenging. I will refer to the secretary in terms of the detail of your question, but in terms of double-bunking, some of the cells in the Risdon Prison Complex and the reception prison were previously upgraded to include two bunks as part of the surge capacity strategy. On occasion prisoners may co-locate in these cells, each having their own bunk depending on capacity. It’s undertaken based on professional advice consistent with the appropriate arrangements being put in place.
The TPS has recently commenced work on the electronic security system upgrade project across all Risdon site facilities and as part of the upgrades, prisoner accommodation areas will be required to be decanted whilst the work occurs. The decanting of prisoners will require increased cell sharing across the facilities at times, including within the Ron Barwick Prison and Southern Remand Centre. Prior to any cell-sharing arrangements correctional staff are required to complete a risk assessment which considers both the suitability of each prisoner to share a cell generally as well as the suitability of two particular prisoners sharing a cell together. Cell sharing can be beneficial for some prisoners, for example, if prisoners are able to co-locate with their family or where a prisoner is seeking peer support. As to the other part of your question, I will refer to the secretary.
Ms BOURNE – If appropriate I will need to take on notice the important reflections about the size of Ron Barwick cells. I think we’re very aware of the constraints of that facility. As the minister has noted, part of the electronic security upgrade program requires us to put further bunks into existing facilities. Ordinarily they are in the Risdon Prison Complex and I know that the prison considers floor space, particularly if we ever need to temporarily use mattresses, which is obviously a last resort, has to make sure that is in cells of appropriate size. I understand that as of 13 November, currently we have 33 double bunks, if that’s of assistance to the committee.
Ms ROSOL – Thank you. Could I ask a follow-up on that, please? What kind of record-keeping and monitoring will you be doing? Will you be keeping records of the numbers of times those double-bunking cells are used? Will you also be monitoring and tracking the impact of double bunking on prisoner welfare, cell incidents, conflict rates and staff workload? Will you be gathering information and is that something we will be able to access?
Mr BARNETT – Thank you for the question.
Ms BOURNE – Absolutely yes. I think the TPS has a very extensive compliance and audit monitoring regime at the moment, as the minister has alluded to. There’s a significant process behind decisions around accommodating prisoners, including when there may need to be double bunking to make sure there aren’t any unintended issues with co-location. I’m confident that by virtue of being able to provide a number of double-bunking cells at the moment, or as of 13 November, is demonstrative of the record-keeping the prison undertakes. Certainly as we undertake the rollout of the electronic security work, I am sure monitoring the impact of that on prison cohorts will be really critical to inform the ongoing rollout of that service to make sure there aren’t any unintended implications.
