Released 25/10/2018
Major reforms in security, reporting, oversight and health provision are among the key improvements to be implemented at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) following the closure of the Independent Inquiry into the Treatment in Custody of Steven Freeman (Moss Review).
Minister for Corrections Shane Rattenbury said the Moss Review, prompted by the tragic death Mr Steven Freeman on 27 May 2016, outlined ways services and operations at the AMC could be improved to enhance the safety and wellbeing of detainees.
“The tragic death of Mr Freeman has led to significant improvements, especially at the AMC across ACT Correctional Services and Canberra Health Services (CHS) Justice Health services, and in ACT Policing affording a higher priority to the investigation of serious assaults at the AMC,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“The ACT Government agreed to eight of the nine recommendations produced by the Moss Review, with one recommendation relating to the independent office of the ACT Health Services Commissioner.
“One of the most significant outcomes of the Moss Review was the recommendation to introduce a holistic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander model of care and health service into the AMC.
“Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Service will deliver this service to assist in maintaining and improving the overall health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees, by providing a culturally safe service within the AMC. This ground-breaking service model will set a new benchmark for health care in correctional centres.
“Another key recommendation centred on improved independent oversight of the ACT corrections system. In line with this recommendation, I was pleased to appoint Mr Neil McAllister to the inaugural role of Inspector of Correctional Services for the ACT.
“The Inspector has already commenced work to oversee and review the operations of the AMC, and I look forward to seeing any recommendations that the Inspector may propose to promote continuous improvement in our correctional facilities.
“In closing the Moss Review implementation process, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of the independent chair of the Moss Review Implementation Oversight Committee, Mr Russell Taylor AM, in helping government to deliver against the recommendations in a timely and constructive manner, and by ensuring that the interests of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community were being met.
“I acknowledge that Steven Freeman’s untimely death will have a lasting impact on his family and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community. I again express my sincere condolences for his loss and would like to pay my respects to Steven Freeman’s mother, Mrs Narelle King, for her strength, resilience and advocacy for change.
“The Moss Review has left a lasting legacy of reforms that will continue to improve the safety, security, health and well-being of all detainees at the AMC.”
Minister Rattenbury will address the media at the ACT Legislative Assembly Member’s Courtyard from 1pm to 1:20pm today.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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