CRACKDOWN ON DRUGS IN PRISON

TOUGH new penalties have been introduced for inmates caught with drugs and
alcohol in Tasmania's prison system.

The policy, which came into effect last week, replaces a system that had
attracted public outcry for its leniency.

Previously, inmates caught with alcohol, a legal drug, were treated more
harshly than inmates caught with the illegal drug marijuana.

Attorney-General Peter Patmore announced the details of the policy
yesterday and said that Tasmania would lead the country in prison drug reform.

He said the previous policy was inadequate because of its inherent leniency.

Under the new policy prisoners at the Hayes Prison Farm caught smoking
drugs will lose their minimum-security classifications and be barred from
contact visits with friends and relatives if they continue to offend.

"Thls is a message to the prisoners in Risdon that drug use will not be
tolerated." Mr Patmore said. "All drug use in prison will be penalised."

Different penalties will apply at each of the state's prisons - Hayes
Prison Farm, Risdon Prison and the women's prison, attached to Risdon. The
new policy states that first offences involving marijuana or alcohol will
attract a $50 fine. Second offences will see the prisonors receive
two-month maximum-security reclassification, returned to Risdon from Hayes
or, if they already at Risdon, be sent to maximum-security.

Offences involving heavier drugs such as amphetamines and opiates will see
prisoners receive harsher security gradings and lose contact visits.

Mr Patmore also said that all prisoners leaving jail on cultural leave
would be tested for drugs before leaving and after returning, and positive
tests could result in cultural leave being cancelled.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre legal manager Michael Mansell condemned Mr
Patmore for his comments and said that he wanted an urgent meeting.

Checked-by: Richard Lake