A settlement has been reached in the ACT Administrative and Civil Tribunal (ACAT) relating to an artwork in a staff area of the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) that resulted in a referral to the Human Rights Commission.
The art drawing, from 2018, was located in a staff-only area of the AMC and featured a ‘hangman game’ containing letters similar to the name of a detainee.
Corrective Services Commissioner Jon Peach (pictured) said he was extremely disappointed that one staff member’s action had so significantly undermined the professionalism and reputation of ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) and his staff.
“The vast majority of my staff are highly dedicated and professional, they work in a challenging environment and are committed to carrying out an important service,” Mr Peach said.
“They strive to both maintain community safety and improve the welfare of individuals within the corrective services system,” he said.
“It must be acknowledged, however, that there are a small number of staff who do not display this same commitment or the level of professionalism, integrity and respect for those in our care that the community should expect from our service.”
Mr Peach said staff who didn’t display the same level of professionalism, integrity and respect for people in the care of ACTCS didn’t have a place in the Service.
“ACT Corrective Services is currently undergoing significant reform to ensure that our operations are focused on maximising opportunities for offenders to positively change their lives,” he said.
“A fundamental element of this is the provision of a safe and secure environment where all people are treated with humanity.”
Mr Peach apologised on behalf of ACTCS for the behaviour of staff in a letter which was written to the complainant following the incident.
