Government slammed for inadequate Ashley

Sharon Webb

A DAMNING 58 per cent recidivism rate at Ashley Detention Centre has been revealed in January’s Productivity Commission Report into government services.

In addition, the report said there is a fourfold increase in assault and self harm in the youth detention centre near Deloraine.

The report comes as Sebastian Buscemi of Odin Lawyers has submitted claims to the upcoming government child abuse inquiry that child abuse continues at the centre.

He claims these abuses violate the rights of children there, as set down by the United Nations.

‘Child abuse has existed at AYDC the entire time [it has existed], however the dynamic in which it occurs today is distinctly different compared to 10, 20 or 50 years ago’, Mr Buscemi claimed.

‘It may be convenient or tempting to say that the abuse at AYDC today is not as ‘serious’ as it was in the past and that this is the result of better systems and practices. However, this would be a significant mischaracterisation of the situation and in particular of the harm inflicted.’

Mr Buscemi gives multiple examples in his submission.

He claims children should not be held at Ashley on remand, having not yet been through the courts system.

‘While children are being remanded due to absence of suitable accommodation, there is no further intervention with that child once at AYDC to address this (as is required by law).

‘This means a child who is homeless on admission remains homeless on discharge. The often minor nature of offences and the disregard shown to the requirement to intervene, is further evidence that remand is being used in Tasmania for purely punitive purposes.

‘This process is entirely inconsistent with even the bare minimum requirements of the child protection framework. On the other hand, such an approach is entirely consistent with a system of control and punishment, not justice.’

Shadow Child Safety Minister Josh Willie said that despite the government’s repeated claims that it is improving the circumstances and outcomes for young Tasmanians who end up in detention, the situation continues to deteriorate.

‘Rather than providing the therapeutic care necessary, this government and Minister Roger Jaensch keep on the same failed track,’ he said.

‘Since this government came to office ... more than half of the young offenders released from detention end up back inside within a year,’ Mr Willie said.

‘The rise of incidents of young people inflicting self harm or being assaulted and brutalised while in detention at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre is alarming.

‘This requires an urgent response from this government, not more platitudes and motherhood statements. It’s a failed strategy that does not protect young people detained in state facilities.’