❓ Hon Giz Watson asks about the finalisation of policies for managing foreign national and culturally/linguistically diverse prisoners, following a report highlighting the Department of Corrective Services' delay. The Minister responds by outlining existing policies that address the needs of these prisoners and indicates a review is underway, due for completion by year's end.
AnsweredQoN 6034Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Report 78 of the Inspector of Custodial Services 'Report of an Announced Inspection of Albany Regional Prison', and I ask —
(1) Regarding the statement at page vi that the Department of Corrective Services has not yet produced policies for management of foreign national and culturally/linguistically diverse prisoners despite having committed to do so more than two years ago —
(a) if these policies have now been finalised, will the Minister please table them; and
(b) if these policies have still not yet been finalised, will the Minister ensure they are finalised by the end of this year?
(2) If no to (1)(a) and/or (b), why not?
(1) Regarding the statement at page vi that the Department of Corrective Services has not yet produced policies for management of foreign national and culturally/linguistically diverse prisoners despite having committed to do so more than two years ago —
(a) if these policies have now been finalised, will the Minister please table them; and
(b) if these policies have still not yet been finalised, will the Minister ensure they are finalised by the end of this year?
(2) If no to (1)(a) and/or (b), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
23 October 2012
Responded by
Minister for Education representing the Minister for Corrective Services
Response time
35 days
(1) The Department of Corrective Services (the Department) currently has various policies and procedures that incorporate the management and welfare of foreign national and/or culturally or linguistically diverse prisoners.
For example, Policy Directive 18 'Prisoner Orientation' states that where a prisoner shows difficulties with the English language, officers shall provide assistance in an appropriate manner to ensure that the prisoner understands the information provided. Prisoners must also be provided with contact details for professional translation services. Policy Directive 15 'Dietary and Nutritional Requirements' establishes the requirement for all prisoner meals to be approved by a qualified dietician, and wherever practicable, for them to meet cultural and religious needs.
Continuing, Policy Directive 38 'Notification to Consulate by Non-Australian Prisoner' governs the process to be followed when a prisoner identifies as other than an Australian citizen and Policy Directive 7 'Religious and Spiritual Activities' provides for all prisoners to be given an equal opportunity to practise the form of religion or spiritual beliefs of their choice (subject to the requirements for maintaining the security and good order of the prison).
In addition, Policy Directive 21 'Provision of Library Services', Policy Directive 30 'Death in Custody', Policy Directive 36 'Communications' and others all consider cultural, religious or other special needs.
Recently, and specifically in regards to Indonesian prisoners, Assistant Commissioner Custodial Operations (ACCO) Notice 26/2011 'Reporting Claims of Underage' was published to instruct prison staff as to the process of reporting prisoners who claim to be under the age of 18 years and ACCO 19/2011 'Indonesian Nationals - Reception and Orientation Process', was published to set out the process for all new/and current Indonesian prisoners and the requirement for this cohort to be shown the DVD provided by the Indonesian Embassy as well as supplied with a copy of the 'Notification of Consular Assistance' form.
In addition, the Department has identified some key policies for review in terms of the specific needs of foreign national prisoners. The policy changes will be supported by a handbook which will draw on all the relevant policy provisions and information regarding the management of foreign nationals in prison for staff to access easily.
(1)(a) Not applicable.
(1)(b) The above mentioned review is due to be finalised by the end of this year.
(2) Not applicable.
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For example, Policy Directive 18 'Prisoner Orientation' states that where a prisoner shows difficulties with the English language, officers shall provide assistance in an appropriate manner to ensure that the prisoner understands the information provided. Prisoners must also be provided with contact details for professional translation services. Policy Directive 15 'Dietary and Nutritional Requirements' establishes the requirement for all prisoner meals to be approved by a qualified dietician, and wherever practicable, for them to meet cultural and religious needs.
Continuing, Policy Directive 38 'Notification to Consulate by Non-Australian Prisoner' governs the process to be followed when a prisoner identifies as other than an Australian citizen and Policy Directive 7 'Religious and Spiritual Activities' provides for all prisoners to be given an equal opportunity to practise the form of religion or spiritual beliefs of their choice (subject to the requirements for maintaining the security and good order of the prison).
In addition, Policy Directive 21 'Provision of Library Services', Policy Directive 30 'Death in Custody', Policy Directive 36 'Communications' and others all consider cultural, religious or other special needs.
Recently, and specifically in regards to Indonesian prisoners, Assistant Commissioner Custodial Operations (ACCO) Notice 26/2011 'Reporting Claims of Underage' was published to instruct prison staff as to the process of reporting prisoners who claim to be under the age of 18 years and ACCO 19/2011 'Indonesian Nationals - Reception and Orientation Process', was published to set out the process for all new/and current Indonesian prisoners and the requirement for this cohort to be shown the DVD provided by the Indonesian Embassy as well as supplied with a copy of the 'Notification of Consular Assistance' form.
In addition, the Department has identified some key policies for review in terms of the specific needs of foreign national prisoners. The policy changes will be supported by a handbook which will draw on all the relevant policy provisions and information regarding the management of foreign nationals in prison for staff to access easily.
(1)(a) Not applicable.
(1)(b) The above mentioned review is due to be finalised by the end of this year.
(2) Not applicable.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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