Youth Detention Centre Staff at Breaking Point in Tasmania

Staff at Tasmania's Youth Detention Centre Reach Breaking Point

Staff members at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre in Tasmania have taken a rare step of industrial action, walking off the job for two hours to protest ongoing safety concerns. This move comes after a recent incident left three staff members injured, underscoring the pressing need for improved staffing levels and security measures.

The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) has highlighted that the government has repeatedly ignored worker safety and staffing issues. Robbie Moore, the state secretary of HACSU, expressed frustration over incidents where staff were assaulted and hospitalized, emphasizing how deeply flawed the system has become. 'Staff are trying to deliver therapeutic services but lack support from management and the government,' he said.

Minister for Children and Youth Jo Palmer called the strike action 'incredibly disappointing' and acknowledged that morale among staff is at an all-time low. Despite ongoing negotiations, workers feel unsupported and are considering leaving the field entirely. One unidentified staffer noted, 'If adults aren't being looked after, how can we look after the young people?'

These issues have been brewing for years. In 2024, the Supreme Court of Tasmania ordered a $75 million compensation payment to former inmates who experienced abuse. The centre is set to close within three years, pending construction of a new facility in the south. Current staff are anxious about their futures and continue to seek answers from the government regarding training opportunities and job security.

The situation remains tense, with further industrial action a possibility. Workers are determined to raise their voices until their concerns are adequately addressed.