The National Network urgently calls upon the South Australian Department of Correctional Services to address the dire concerns raised by the family of Tony Smith, who is currently hospitalised due to being on a hunger strike following his transfer from Yatala Labour Prison to Port Augusta Prison in South Australia. The pressing fears of Smith’s family highlight the critical need for immediate intervention to prevent another tragic Aboriginal death in custody.
‘Tony Smith’s family, including his partner and three children, are desperately worried for his wellbeing,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘They have received no information from the Department about his current health or welfare, leaving them to advocate tirelessly on his behalf, desperately seeking information,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Relocating prisoners to a prison from the city to a regional area, which involves a family making a twelve-hour round trip to visit their partner and father, puts undue financial and emotional strain on a family. This understandably results in the prisoner having fewer visits,’ said Debbie Kilroy ‘Research overwhelmingly indicates that people in prison fare a lot better with connection to family,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Tony has been in prison since he was 19 years old and has spent more than seven years in solitary confinement. This man has been consistently denied his basic human rights,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘The fact that the prison will not give a reason for Tony’s relocation, nor respond to the concerns of the family, is just another assault by the prison system,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
Today, the National Network has spoken with Tony’s family, including an Aboriginal Elder who is working to support the family, to discuss how best to support them during this challenging time. ‘Too often, women and children bear the burden of fighting for justice for their loved ones in such cases. Tony’s partner and children are no exception, left to pick up the pieces and advocate for his rights,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘We don’t want to see Tony become another death in custody. The Minister of Corrections needs to step in, if they do not, a death could well be on their hands,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
The Department for Correctional Services must provide transparent information about Tony Smith’s current health and welfare to the family and take immediate steps to ensure his rights and wellbeing are upheld. His family and community demand urgent action to prevent another avoidable death in custody.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474.
