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Media Statements

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts

Wednesday, 17 June, 2009

Corrective Services to review prisoner transport system

Corrective Services Minister Neil Roberts and Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Kelvin Anderson have today announced that the Chief Inspector of Prisons will review the state's prisoner transport system.

"Details recounted during a Western Australian inquest into the death of a man from heat stroke after being transported through the desert in the back of a prison transport vehicle with faulty air-conditioning have raised nation-wide concerns in relation to the humane transport of prisoners in custody," Mr Roberts said.

"This Queensland review will be undertaken as a matter of urgency to examine all aspects of the transportation of Queensland Corrective Services prisoners."

Mr Anderson said he was confident the system Queensland Corrective Services has in place was working well.

"However we recognise there are concerns in the community regarding the humane transportation of offenders, whether it is for medical, legal or placement reas ons," Mr Anderson said.

"In addition to processes currently in place, I have directed that every QCS prisoner transportation vehicle be fully inspected each time that it is utilised to transport prisoners to ensure the health and well-being of the occupants."

Mr Roberts said the review was expected to be completed within the next four weeks.

Media Contact: Minister Robert's Office - (07) 3239 0199

 

Last updated: 22 June 2009