Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains information in response to frequently asked questions regarding the new Southern Remand Centre.
Location, design and construction
How much did the Southern Remand Centre cost?
The Government committed $70 million for construction of the new Southern Remand Centre (SRC).
Another $9.34 million was provided to upgrade shared facilities within the Risdon Prison Complex to meet increased demand. This included works to the gatehouse, prisoner processing, visits and health facilities.
Who built the Southern Remand Centre?
Hansen Yuncken were appointed as the Managing Contractor for the main construction phase of the project in December 2019.
How many beds does the facility have?
The SRC provides 156 dedicated remand beds in two accommodation units.
The accommodation includes disability access cells and “buddy cells” for remandees who need extra support to adjust to their time in the remand centre.
What other facilities will be provided?
The SRC also includes:
- multipurpose spaces available for therapeutic programs, education and a legal resource centre
- a Satellite Health Clinic
- a basketball court, BBQ area, spiritual reflection space and outdoor fixed gym equipment
- private video conference rooms for remandee use (i.e. for legal consultations, family visits, and telehealth).
How long did construction take?
The preliminary works began in September 2019 and the main construction works commenced in March 2020.
Practical completion was achieved in late April 2022 and the SRC will be occupied from late July 2022.
Purpose
Why do we need the Southern Remand Centre?
Tasmania has no separate remand facility, with remandees currently accommodated within the general prison population throughout Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) facilities.
In recent years remandees have been the fastest growing prison population in Tasmania.
The SRC is the state’s first facility designed specifically for people held on remand. It will allow them to have as little contact with sentenced prisoners as possible, in line with best practice operational guidelines.
What are the objectives of the SRC?
As they are unconvicted, it is widely accepted that remandees should be treated differently to other prisoners.
In recognition of their presumed innocence, remandees held in the SRC will have fewer restrictions than sentenced prisoners.
People entering prison for the first time may become anxious, distressed or uncooperative and, as such, can require additional/alternative support. The special needs of remandees will be recognised and addressed in the SRC.
Services
What rehabilitation services are available for remandees in the Southern Remand Centre?
The SRC will provide remandees with access to:
- health and welfare services
- education
- programs
- legal resources
- recreational activities
- religious observance
- other relevant activities and services.
The SRC will offer a range of daily activities to constructively engage remandees during out of cell hours.
Assisting remandees to prepare for court appearances is a key focus. Access to legal representatives and attendance at court (either via video conference or in person) will be prioritised.
The provision of rehabilitation opportunities and services will also be a priority within the SRC.
Technology will allow remandees to maintain family connections, and improve their access to external service providers.
Staffing and Capacity
How is the increase in prisoner numbers being managed?
The SRC, along with the planned Northern Correctional Facility, will increase the capacity of Tasmania’s prison system. The new facilities will enable the TPS to respond to the increasing prison population, while also ensuring the circumstances and needs of remandees are met.
The TPS also continues to focus on recruitment in response to increasing prisoner numbers.
How will staff be selected to work in the SRC?
The SRC is staffed by a mix of people transferred from other TPS facilities and new recruits recently employed as part of a wider TPS recruitment campaign.
Information on careers within the Tasmania Prison Service is available on their website.
Security
What sort of protection will be around the prison?
The SRC is surrounded by a continuous concrete wall, topped by anti-climb design features. This provides a physical and visual screen between the prison and the surrounding area.
How secure will the new prison be?
Community safety is the Government’s number one priority.
The Government has committed more than $360 million to upgrade and replace the State’s ageing prison facilities to keep the Tasmanian community safe.
The SRC is a modern prison complex that will provide secure accommodation and facilities appropriate for the population it houses. It includes a range of security features to ensure the safety of staff, visitors and the wider community.
While all classifications (minimum, medium and maximum) of remandees will be housed within the SRC, the facility has been built to maximum security standards.
Prison design and security systems are always evolving. The SRC uses the latest security features and technologies available to ensure the facility is as safe and secure as possible.