The state government has failed to act on recommendations about prolonged and persistent failings in the state's prison system, Custodial Inspector Richard Connock says.
In a scathing assessment in the Key Findings 2020 Prisoner Survey and 2020 Staff Engagement Survey 2020, Mr Connock expressed frustration that recommendations in several previous reports had been ignored.
"It is regrettable to continue to report major shortfalls across Tasmania's prison system substantiated by responses from prisoners and TPS staff in the latest results," he said.
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"The results demonstrate prolonged inadequacies in the system that have not been addressed.
"For example, despite 38 recommendations in my 2018 report regarding access to education and training, employment and reintegration services the situation remains much the same."
Corrections Minister Elise Archer said that the Tasmania Prison Service would consider the results of both surveys to identify "if any further actions are required".
She said work was already underway to address a number of issues identified by respondents.
Mr Connock said the ending of a drug and alcohol program in the Apsley Unit at the prison was evidence of a failure by the TPS to provide sufficient rehabilitation programs for the state's prisoners.
"There would appear to be no increase in rehabilitation or reintegration programs for prisoners to access, in fact we have identified a decrease in delivery and an increase in lockdowns," Mr Connock said.
Bullying within the TPS remained an ongoing issue with fear of reprisal a major deterrent to reporting highlighted by prison survey responses, Mr Connock said.
There were continuing staff perceptions about nepotism, bias and bullying which had not changed since the 2019 survey.
"There was a clear sense from staff of nepotism and bias in relation to chances of recruitment and advancement, in particular family members of existing staff being appointed to TPS positions," he said.
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Nick Clark
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
