Government too slow on Ashley change work: Labor

The government on Thursday made public the independent report that found poor staff training and “extreme boredom” experienced by detainees could lead to violence.

The report precedes an incident currently being probed by police and the state government which centres on the restraint method used by a worker on a detainee during a confrontation involving broken glass.

The released report by Metis Management Consulting said youth workers performed functions more closely aligned with that of a guard and that there was a preference for “physical means of dealing with young people”.

“Extreme boredom was expressed by many of the young people with the potential for behavioural issues to lead to more confrontation between youth workers and detainees,” the report said.

“The current culture is one that overall leans towards punishment rather than being restorative and rehabilitative.”

Opposition child safety spokesman Josh Willie said the report was full of warnings for the potential of violence to occur at Ashley. 

He criticised Human Services Minister Jacqui Petrusma for not releasing the report a year ago.

“There were issues around restraint and de-escalation practices,” Mr Willie said.

“Had the minister responded to those warnings, the incident in July may not have happened.”

Ms Petrusma said the government had been working to implement change at the centre since receiving the report and its recommendations.

“The government has also embarked on a comprehensive change management process at Ashley, including staffing and leadership structures, staff capability, safety, risk management, training requirements, trauma-informed care models and culture,” Ms Petrusma said.

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor said more needed to be done than “tinkering around the edges” and called for the centre’s closure.

“The current model is too focussed on security and a punitive approach,” she said.

“There simply isn't enough work on therapeutic interventions.”