Smoking in Prisons

436 Mr ODENWALDER (Elizabeth) (17 October 2018). What provisions will be in place to protect prison staff during the transition to a non-smoking workplace?

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing): I have been advised:

Following the Marshall Liberal government's commitment of smoke-free prisons by 2019, the Department for Correctional Services has increased staff across emergency management and increased the state's available tactical options in response to emergency situations.

This includes:

Ensuring that all prison Emergency Response Groups are fully staffed and all vacancies are filled.

Research, procurement and roll out a range of equipment that aid in the resolution of emergency incidents.

A range of desktop and live emergency exercises have taken place and will continue to be undertaken throughout the smoke free implementation phase.

Meetings and combined training for departmental staff with South Australia Police and STAR Group will continue to take place.

Updated command and control training is being delivered to senior managers.

A local implementation manager will be assigned at sites to ensure all risks are identified and mitigated.

The department is also working with SA Health to ensure there are a range of smoking cessation supports, this will include both pharmacological supports such as nicotine replacement therapy and diversionary activities for prisoners.