ANDREW Wall is calling on the Barr government to undertake a thorough review of security and management practices at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) to ensure any existing security issues do not continue in an expanded facility.

The call was voted down by ACT Labor and Green MLAs.

“The overcrowding which has seen the jail at crisis point over many months is finally being addressed through investment in construction of new accommodation facilities,” Andrew said.

“However, the ongoing management and drug issues plaguing the jail need to be addressed as well.

“There is already plenty of evidence to prove that the ACT government’s current approach on drugs and contraband is not working. Recent transcripts of proceedings in ACT Courts reveal that on considering a pre-sentencing report for a defendant that revealed a positive drug test while on remand, an ACT Magistrate stated that:

That very event makes one wonder what real prospects there are for rehabilitation at the AMC…

…

It doesn’t matter what systems put in place the drugs seem to get in…

“This illustrates that effective rehabilitation simply cannot occur in an environment where drugs and contraband are rife.

“A comprehensive review of all facets of the management of the jail including the prevalence of illicit drug use should now be an urgent priority for the Greens Minister and the Barr Labor government,” Mr Wall concluded.