Tasmania’s Risdon Prison has reportedly been in full or partial lockdown over the past six days, with prisoners allegedly having little or no access to exercise and outdoor activities.
The Tasmanian Prison Service confirmed the news on Monday afternoon, adding that the lockdowns had occurred despite the government’s recent strategy to minimise such events.
According to sources, the prison has experienced several days of lockdowns, making it difficult for the inmates to maintain contact with their loved ones.
However, the prison service spokesperson assured that essential services and inmate supports were still maintained when safe to do so.
They added that the service had facilitated phone calls and visits of a professional and personal nature where possible.
Attorney-General and Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation Elise Archer had introduced a flexible staffing strategy at the complex earlier this month, aiming to reduce the frequency of prison lockdowns.
The strategy, currently in a four-week pilot phase, seeks to enhance the delivery of core services such as rehabilitation, intervention and education programs while minimising the need for lockdowns and maximising out-of-cell hours for inmates.
“While lockdowns are an essential operational tool utilised to ensure a safe and secure correctional environment for inmates, staff and visitors, we are doing all we can to reduce their likelihood,” the Attorney-General said.
“Importantly, this new model will reduce the need for overtime, and will not negatively impact on our Correctional Officers and therapeutic staff undertaking their work in a safe manner.”
“While we cannot control the number of offenders being sentenced to a term of imprisonment, this strategy will help reduce the need for lockdowns so that, where possible, lockdowns become a rare occurrence.”
