Media Release: Public & Parliamentary Pressure Force Government to Act on Ashley Taskforce Call

Public & Parliamentary Pressure Force Government to Act on Ashley Taskforce Call

27 June 2024

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb said today recent pressure from the community services sector and the Parliament had forced the Government to move on calls for an Ashley Youth Detention Centre (AYDC) focussed Taskforce.

“While it is disappointing the Government’s newly announced taskforce does not fully deliver on my motion which the Legislative Council voted for last week, it is clear the Government has had no choice but to respond to that pressure and act,” Ms Webb said.

“Since September last year, the community services sector, academics and others, led by TasCOSS, have called for a dedicated multidisciplinary taskforce to assist in delivering alternative interim models to take children out of AYDC into evidence-based, secure accommodation in the community.

“It is a shame it took eight months for the Government to heed that initial call, and I will now be watching closely any progress of the new Taskforce and promised Expert Panel.”

Ms Webb’s motion calling for an expert multi-disciplinary taskforce to be established passed the Legislative Council on June 18.