Post by MXB on May 30, 2007 23:07:34 GMT -5
The Australian Government is defying an Ombudsman's ruling to reveal secret perks granted to backpacker killer Ivan Milat, assassin Phuong Ngo and others in Goulburn's Supermax prison.
Corrective Services Minister Tony Kelly said yesterday that he fully supported his department's decision to ignore a ruling by the Ombudsman on the perks used to pacify inmates.
The Ombudsman ruled this week that the department's claims - that release of the perks posed a safety and security threat - were "obscure".
The Daily Telegraph requested details of the perks system - used to manipulate good behaviour - outlined in the document HRMU Behaviour Management Levels under the Freedom of Information Act.
The request followed a public outcry after it was revealed last August that serial killer Milat was granted a TV and toasted sandwich maker in his cell.
Mr Kelly said that he had "full confidence" in the decision by Corrective Services Commissioner Ron Woodham to keep the privileges system secret.
"The Commissioner has advised me his decision is based on his concerns for the security of the unit and the safety of our DCS prison officers, not the feelings of the prisoners," he said.
The Supermax jail is home to the state's most notorious and troublesome prisoners.
As well as Milat and Ngo, others who are or have been resident in the past include gang rapist Bilal Skaf, triple killer Michael Kanaan, and convicted double murderer and drug dealer Adnan "Eddie" Darwiche.
The privileges and sanctions for prisoners inside the Supermax, including what the prisoners may purchase in "buy ups", are unique in the prison system.
The department has effectively placed concerns about momentarily upsetting these infamous prisoners ahead of the rights to documents under Freedom of Information.
After the department initially refused to release the perks guide, The Daily Telegraph used its appeal rights to refer the matter to the Ombudsman.
In a determination on the matter released this week, the Ombudsman's Office ruled there was no basis to claims that release of the document was a risk to the health and safety of inmates and prison officers.
The risk of harm to anyone was "obscure", "remote" and a "worst-case scenario".
The determination also noted the department had adopted an "inflexible view" on its position to withhold the document.
Mr Kelly said that the Supermax contains many of the most dangerous and unpredictable prisoners in NSW.
"Commissioner Woodham is the person most qualified to make operational decisions about the NSW prison system and the HRMU," Mr Kelly said.
Public Service Association senior industrial officer Greg O'Donahue said yesterday he was unaware of any threats to prison officers following The Daily Telegraph publishing details of Milat's TV and toasted sandwich maker.
Corrective Services Minister Tony Kelly said yesterday that he fully supported his department's decision to ignore a ruling by the Ombudsman on the perks used to pacify inmates.
The Ombudsman ruled this week that the department's claims - that release of the perks posed a safety and security threat - were "obscure".
The Daily Telegraph requested details of the perks system - used to manipulate good behaviour - outlined in the document HRMU Behaviour Management Levels under the Freedom of Information Act.
The request followed a public outcry after it was revealed last August that serial killer Milat was granted a TV and toasted sandwich maker in his cell.
Mr Kelly said that he had "full confidence" in the decision by Corrective Services Commissioner Ron Woodham to keep the privileges system secret.
"The Commissioner has advised me his decision is based on his concerns for the security of the unit and the safety of our DCS prison officers, not the feelings of the prisoners," he said.
The Supermax jail is home to the state's most notorious and troublesome prisoners.
As well as Milat and Ngo, others who are or have been resident in the past include gang rapist Bilal Skaf, triple killer Michael Kanaan, and convicted double murderer and drug dealer Adnan "Eddie" Darwiche.
The privileges and sanctions for prisoners inside the Supermax, including what the prisoners may purchase in "buy ups", are unique in the prison system.
The department has effectively placed concerns about momentarily upsetting these infamous prisoners ahead of the rights to documents under Freedom of Information.
After the department initially refused to release the perks guide, The Daily Telegraph used its appeal rights to refer the matter to the Ombudsman.
In a determination on the matter released this week, the Ombudsman's Office ruled there was no basis to claims that release of the document was a risk to the health and safety of inmates and prison officers.
The risk of harm to anyone was "obscure", "remote" and a "worst-case scenario".
The determination also noted the department had adopted an "inflexible view" on its position to withhold the document.
Mr Kelly said that the Supermax contains many of the most dangerous and unpredictable prisoners in NSW.
"Commissioner Woodham is the person most qualified to make operational decisions about the NSW prison system and the HRMU," Mr Kelly said.
Public Service Association senior industrial officer Greg O'Donahue said yesterday he was unaware of any threats to prison officers following The Daily Telegraph publishing details of Milat's TV and toasted sandwich maker.