Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Justice spokesperson
The Tasmanian Greens welcome the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s advice to government and recommendations around strip searches of children and young people.
Strip searches of children and young people should be avoided if at all possible, and the conditions for a search should be clearly prescribed in regulations.
Commissioner McLean has reinforced to government that the safety and rights of children within the justice system must be maintained at all times. No matter the circumstance, there is a duty of care that must be respected.
Routine strip searches are clearly prevalent within the Tasmanian youth justice system and that must change.
We hope the Attorney General and Minister for Human Services take Commissioner McLean’s advice as a matter of urgency, including development of legislation and regulations to protect the safety and rights of children within the justice system.