YATALA LABOUR PRISON

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:07): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, representing the Minister for Correctional Services, about the incident involving a female prisoner being handcuffed to a bed at the Yatala Labour Prison.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: In June, it was brought to the public's attention that a mentally ill woman was handcuffed to a bed for up to 20 hours a day for nine months in the Yatala Labour Prison's infirmary. Even though she was suicidal, had a risk of violence towards staff, had to be restrained with handcuffs and has constant psychiatric care, as well as help from the health department and interstate experts, she did not meet the criteria in the Mental Health Act. The now former chief executive of the Department for Correctional Services says he was fully aware of the woman's circumstances. As well, minister Rankine said she saw the prisoner last November. My questions are:

1. Why was the prisoner not able to be held at the Adelaide Women's Prison?

2. How was the prisoner not covered by the provisions of the Mental Health Act?

3. Where is the prisoner being held at the moment, and under what conditions and circumstances?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:08): I thank the honourable member for his very important question. I undertake to take that question to the Minister for Correctional Services in another place and seek a response on her behalf.