Prisoner Support and Treatment

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:33): I would like to reiterate my second question: will the minister fully involve health authorities in the discussions with the New South Wales and South Australian corrections departments? I ask that particularly because my understanding of psychiatric disability is that the form of restraint may actually escalate the behaviours, not suppress them, so I do not believe one should assume that because injury is caused, the restraint can be blamed.

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:33): I thank the honourable member for that contribution. In regard to the specific part of his question, my apologies; I neglected to answer that. I understand that the department of corrections does actively work with SA Health when it comes to all matters related to the movement of prisoners in or out of the health system. In respect to the development of the soft restraint, I will seek information from the department to ensure that that work is ongoing. I am advised that, up until this point, the work that is being undertaken is between the South Australian department of corrections and the New South Wales department for corrections. I will seek information regarding whether or not that exercise is also undertaking engagement with SA Health or the New South Wales health department.