The ACT Inspector of Correctional Services, Neil McAllister has announced that his oversight duties of the ACT’s youth detention services, detainees and officers has commenced.
Mr McAllister said his oversight, which began on 7 December, would include a review of Bimberi Youth Justice Centre at least once every two years with planning underway for the first review in late 2020.
He will not be able to handle individual complaints however.
He said that the powers he held as Inspector of the Alexander Maconochie Centre would now also apply to Bimberi.
“The Healthy Prison test used in the recent Healthy Prison Review of the Alexander Maconochie Centre will be adapted to suit reviews of youth detention,” Mr McAllister said.
He said staff from his office would be able to enter Bimberi, talk to young detainees and staff, and inspect any relevant documents.
“We will continue to consult with other oversight bodies and community sector organisations who work in Bimberi to inform our work,” he said.
“The focus of our reviews is always prevention and continual improvement and we look forward to applying that focus to Bimberi Youth Justice Centre.”
Mr McAllister said youth detention presented unique challenges, especially in the ACT’s small jurisdiction, and a full-time Assistant Inspector had been appointed in his office to assist with the increased workload.
