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Supermax a Distraction

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  -  Monday, 26 October 2015

Tags: Justice, Prisons, Corrections

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Justice spokesperson

Moving selected maximum security prisoners interstate to a “supermax” prison is something the states having been working towards for at least a decade. However, even if the other states agree, it’s not going to solve the current problems facing Risdon Prison, such as attacks on correctional officers.

Dr. Goodwin's comments about prisoner relocation are a distraction from the issues actually being faced in our corrections system. Relocation of prisoners won't fix the issues at Risdon.

If the government continues with its plan to introduce mandatory sentences, it will lead to a substantial increase in the prison population, which is what has happened in every other state and territory. This will mean more pressure on an already strained corrections system.

The Tasmanian prison system doesn’t need any more strain. It needs a steady hand at the helm and support to continue the cultural change process that’s in place.

Other countries, like the United States, which have been through the experiment of mandatory sentencing are now reversing out of that policy position as quickly as they can. It doesn’t work to reduce crime rates or costs, and it leads to a massive increase in people being locked up.