Prisoner Support and Treatment

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (14:57): Given that I think no-one in this chamber would deny that safety should be a paramount concern, can the minister elaborate as to whether the risk that the prisoner poses is weighed up when the decision to shackle them is made? Of the three cases that I mentioned in my explanation, did those three prisoners commit a crime that was violent or in another way was deemed to result in a risk to public safety; and, given that the minister is concerned about community safety and safety for prisoners, is there a need for a specialised facility for prisoners experiencing mental ill health, as I understand there is interstate?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:57): I thank the honourable member for her supplementary question. I do not have specific details regarding the three individuals who you cite and, even if I did, I would not be at liberty to talk about specific prisoners in light of basic confidentiality issues. But what I would say generally is that I am advised that of course DCS are making assessments around risk when it comes to the transferring of patients to and from prisons. Risk assessments are something that the Department for Correctional Services are constantly undertaking when it comes to all decisions that they make around appropriateness for prisoners to be transferred to and from facilities.

We are currently working through the recommendations of the Ombudsman's report. I've explained already that my predisposition is towards adopting those recommendations. If we're not going to adopt those recommendations, I will ask for very clear reasons why that cannot be accommodated. Of course I hope the Hon. Ms Vincent shares my absolute conviction to ensure that safety is the number one concern, but if we acknowledge that as the priority, then everything else should descend from there, but we are constantly looking at ways to ensure that we are providing for humane treatment of prisoners to and from their escort from prison including while they are in hospital. But, again, the safety of the general public has to remain paramount.