A new multi-agency taskforce is accelerating and enhancing actions already underway to reform the youth justice system, through the Tasmanian Government's Youth Justice Blueprint 2024-2034.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian Government remains committed to closing the Ashley Youth Detention Centre as soon as possible, and working to immediately reduce the number of young people entering detention through intensive case management, diversion from offending and reducing re-offending.
"We will continue to work with stakeholders to develop a system that improves outcomes for children and young people and their families, and keeps our community safe," Premier Rockliff said.
The Taskforce will report to Department of Premier and Cabinet Secretary Katherine Morgan-Wicks.
The Taskforce is progressing elements of our Youth Justice Blueprint that require cross agency cooperation, including:
- specific actions to support a reduction in the number of children in detention, prioritising those on remand where it is safe to do so. This includes utilising supported accommodation, providing intensive case management and working in partnership with the community services sector;
- the construction of a new youth detention facility at Pontville, aligned with the Commission of Inquiry recommendations. This includes detailed site planning and scope of works, as well as a community consultation plans and dates for the commencement of community consultation; and
- implementation of increased diversion programs, to be delivered in partnership with the community services sector, aligned with Commission of Inquiry recommendations.
The Tasmanian Government will also shortly be convening our Youth Justice Community Engagement Group which will operate as a forum of representatives from key community service organisations to provide input into youth justice reform in Tasmania.
Additionally, we will be establishing an Expert Panel to provide independent advice on the transition to a therapeutic model for youth justice and we will have more to say on this in the coming weeks.
Minister for Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, said he will work closely with the Taskforce to progress reforms as part of the Youth Justice Blueprint 2024-2034.
"This wholescale reform of the youth justice system is centred around a contemporary, integrated and therapeutic approach, focused on the rights of children, rehabilitation and breaking the cycle of offending to create generational change," Minister Jaensch said.
"The whole-of-government Taskforce will lead work to further accelerate implementation of the Blueprint and all related recommendations, through the preparation of an immediate Action Plan."
A comprehensive plan of action for these and additional initiatives will be provided to the Government by September 2024.
