Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
The Greens recognise that the Minister and her agency have taken this matter very seriously.
As this matter is now under investigation, we will not be commenting further on this specific allegation.
There is no place in the juvenile justice system for the mistreatment of damaged young people.
Ashley Youth Detention Centre represents an outdated, ineffective and costly approach to youth justice.
As a community, we can do better by these young Tasmanians. We can make our community safer in the process.
The Ombudsman should be tasked with working with the Commissioner for Children to make recommendations to government on alternatives to Ashley.
We need to be investing more in restorative and therapeutic programs that will reduce recidivism and help to break cycles of disadvantage.
Sadly, all too often Ashley is a pathway to Risdon Prison.
Strong justice reinvestment policies and practices to rehabilitate young offenders will ultimately make our community safer.
The Human Services Minister has admitted Ashley represents a flawed model.
The Greens aren't saying we have all the answers, but we do believe it's time for the Liberal Government to build on the work already begun by the former Commissioner for Children on alternatives to Ashley.
We would be glad to work cooperatively towards this goal.
Nationally, and for all the wrong reasons, youth justice is in the spotlight. Tasmania can show the rest of Australia how it should be done but the work needs to begin now.