New prison staff recruits will start work in correctional facilities to ease staffing pressures

In 2020 a damning report by Custodial Inspector Richard Connock found chronic understaffing and high staff turnover within Tasmanian prisons, where staffing levels were not keeping up with prisoner numbers.

This, in turn, had a result on the rehabilitation programs and therapy programs on offer.

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Attorney General Elise Archer said boosting correction officer numbers remains a key focus this year.

She said two recruit schools are underway, with 23 recruits due to complete their training course this week.

Another 21 are due to start the "intensive 10 week training program that combines classroom learning with on the job placements" next week.

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"This once again confirms my ongoing commitment in correctional officer recruitment since coming to office, with four recruit schools in 2022, the most ever held by the TPS in one year, along with bridging courses for existing, experienced correctional officers we attract from interstate and overseas," she said.

"These bridging courses run for three weeks, providing an accelerated entry for those with existing skills, knowledge and experience in the correctional officer role."

The staffing rise comes as the new 156-bed Southern Remand Centre opens.

"This is the State's first facility designed specifically for people held on remand which will allow them to be housed separately from sentenced offenders, in line with best practice operational guidelines," she said.

"Remandees will also have access to dedicated health, legal and welfare services, work, education, programs, recreational activities, religious observance, and other relevant activities and services."

She said remandees will move to the Centre as part of a staged process, which will ease pressure across prisons.

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