Date: 2008-05-12
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Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence today rejected criticisms of a bill designed to stop prisoners making frivolous complaints and wasting taxpayers money. “The Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland has criticised parts of the Bill but the ADCQ is out of step with the public’s expectations.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence today rejected criticisms of a bill designed to stop prisoners making frivolous complaints and wasting taxpayers money.
“The Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland has criticised parts of the Bill but the ADCQ is out of step with the public’s expectations.
“I don’t think Queenslanders have forgotten the thousands of dollars awarded under anti-discrimination to a prisoner who did not receive fresh Halal meat.
“And there have been many other frivolous complaints.
“Offenders have been sent to prison for a reason and we are not in the business of accommodating their every whim.
“Dealing with frivolous complaints before the Commission and Tribunal wastes many thousands of dollars.
“Prisoners have been bypassing internal complaints processes and applying directly to the ADCQ often in a bid to receive financial compensation.
“I am confident that making prisoners exhaust prison complaints processes first, before going to the ADCQ, will resolve many issues in a shorter time frame than if they were lodged with the ADCQ.
“Queensland Correctives Services sought comprehensive legal advice in the development of this Bill and is confident that it does not breach Australia's international human rights obligations.
“This Bill does not remove a prisoner’s right to make a complaint to the ADCQ nor does it condone discrimination.
“The prison environment is unique and management must have authority to make decisions that ensure the good order and security of prisons and the safety of the community, staff, visitors and prisoners.
“The Bill will place an obligation on the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal Queensland to consider whether or not prison management’s attempt to accommodate a request for special treatment was reasonable or not under the circumstances.
“That is an entirely sensible approach,” Ms Spence said.
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