The Liberal government has abandoned prisoners looking to turn their lives around, with the closure of one of the Tasmanian Prison Service's main drug and alcohol programs.
Shadow Minister for Corrections Ella Haddad said the closure of the Apsley Unit until at least mid-May further reduces the treatment options for the state's prisoners and raises questions about the reasons behind the move.
"There are already limited options for inmates seeking treatment for addictions," Ms Haddad said.
It's bad enough that the unit is open to so few inmates, who upon completion are released back into the general prison population without post-program support, leaving them vulnerable to relapse.
"But closing the unit with no replacement residential program in place leaves inmates with no hope of adequate treatment for months.
"Many studies have shown that residential rehabilitation programs and alcohol and drug counselling have a significant effect on recidivism rates, so it makes no sense for the government to shut down the most effective treatment available.
"There are also questions around Department of Justice claims that the unit has closed while an evaluation of the program is conducted.
"Why would you close a program and then evaluate it? It is our understanding that the rehab centre has been closed to make way for remandees from the Hobart Reception Prison in Liverpool Street, which is undergoing renovations.
"There's no question that we support the upgrade. But alternative arrangements are needed.
"Prison is not just about punishment. If we want to reduce crime and make our communities safer, we need to support those inmates working to overcome their addictions and become productive members of society."
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Corrections Minister
