The National Network are deeply outraged by the ongoing and inhumane caging of children in Tasmania’s youth prison system. The recent revelations from the Ashley Youth Detention Centre are a tragic testament to our society’s failure to protect and nurture our children.

‘The heartbreaking letter sent from a child in prison who likened their treatment to that of “dogs at the dogs ‘home’  underscores the severe neglect and abuse these children endure daily. When they said that cows in a field enjoy more freedom than they do is a devastating reflection of the dehumanising conditions within children’s facilities,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘When a child must plead for their humanity to the government, it is a glaring indication that we, as adults and as a community, have fundamentally failed them,’ said Debbie Kilroy.

‘I know how devastating it is to be locked in a cage, having spent many years in children’s prison. It is time that we stop putting kids in cages, they belong in their homes, their bedrooms, their classrooms and in our communities,’ said Debbie Kilroy.

‘The National Network are appalled by the state’s continued perpetration of violence against children, who are often held in lockdown for up to 23 hours a day, deprived of education, exercise, and basic human interaction,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘This systemic neglect violates their basic human rights and amounts to state sanctioned violence, and we all need to stand up and say, “no more”,’ said Tabitha Lean.

‘Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson’s acknowledgment that the children should be treated humanely rings hollow against the backdrop of these dire conditions. Promises of staff recruitment and temporary measures are not sufficient to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing the Ashley Youth Detention Centre,’ said Tabitha Lean.

‘The ongoing abuse and neglect of children at Ashley, including the historical allegations of child sexual abuse and the breach of human rights conventions, demand immediate and decisive action. The government’s in-principal agreement to settle with 129 former prisoners for $75 million is a stark acknowledgment of these failures, yet it does little to prevent current and future abuses,’ said Tabitha Lean.

The National Network call upon Premier Jeremy Rockliff and the Tasmanian government to act urgently and decisively to expedite the closure of the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and decarcerate the children by supporting them to live in the  community.

Until the government is able to decarcerate young people from prison, the National Network call on the Government to:

1. Immediate Improvement of Conditions: Ensure that children in prison have access to education, exercise, and mental health support. Lockdowns should cease.
2. Increased Support: Urgently fund non Government organisations, including Aboriginal community controlle organisations, to provide daily support and programs for the children to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
3. Transparency and Accountability: Ensure ongoing investigations into staff misconduct are concluded swiftly and transparently. Hold those responsible for abuses accountable.

‘This is a call to action for all members of our community. We must collectively demand an end to the systemic abuse of children in prison. We urge everyone to raise their voices, and to compel the government to take immediate and meaningful action to protect these vulnerable children,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘It is our duty to stand up for these children, to ensure their voices are heard, and to fight for them. They deserve a better future,’ said Debbie Kilroy.

For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226.