Port Augusta Prison

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:13): Supplementary question: Mr President, that was what the question was. Given that the decision was taken either by the minister or the department not to release the information publicly, can the minister outline the reasons why he and/or the department decided not to release the information publicly, and what the general principles are in terms of what he will release publicly in relation to these sorts of events and the information that he will not release?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:14): I was advised that throughout this event the safety of the public was never, at any stage, at risk, nor was there any immediate risk of escape of such a person. As a consequence and because of the incident being handled quickly and effectively and all processes, policies and procedures being followed when such an incident unfolds, there was no exceptional risk.

In prisons, things happen. Prisons, by their nature, are all about managing risk. This was an operational incident that took place. It was dealt with following the appropriate protocols. Never, at any stage, was the safety of any member of the public jeopardised in such a way. The incident was handled smoothly. As such, there did not seem to be any immediate need for a public statement of sorts but, now that you have asked me questions about the incident, I will be more than happy to disclose exactly what transpired. Indeed, it gives me an opportunity to commend those staff for making sure that they dealt with the situation in accordance with their procedures and protocols in such a way to bring the situation under control quickly.