Inside the 2025 Healthy Prison Review of Canberra jail

ACT Custodial Inspector, Rebecca Minty, explains the "big" issue affecting detainees and staff at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).

Transcript

00:00I'm Rebecca Minty, the ACT Custodial Inspector.

00:03This year we completed the third Healthy Prison Review of the Alexander McConachie Centre.

00:09It's a review that looks at how people in custody are treated, as well as the experience of staff and visitors.

00:16We spoke with detained people, staff and others and reviewed data, including comparing AMC with good practices elsewhere.

00:24We focused on a number of areas, including leadership and culture, drugs and harm minimisation and purposeful activity.

00:33A big issue that stood out for us was that there's just not enough to do.

00:38When people don't have programs, education or work, it slows down rehabilitation and can lead to problems like drug use and violence.

00:48This finding isn't new. Previous reviews have said the same.

00:51More activities and opportunities are urgently needed.

00:55This review makes 30 recommendations, including access to rehabilitation programs for everyone, including those on remand and women.

01:06Training linked to local education providers.

01:09Funding a new industries building for skills and work.

01:13And considering alternatives to detention for women with caring responsibilities.

01:18Our full report is available on our website.

01:21We'll take care of the