05-05-2025
Ashley Youth Detention Centre closure delayed again, to 2028, as replacement master plan unveiled
The Tasmanian government again delays the closure of the troubled Ashley Youth Detention centre, saying construction on a new replacement facility will likely not be complete until the end of 2027.
It recommended the facility be closed as soon as possible, with the government originally planning to do so by the end of 2024.
The date was later shifted to 2026.
On Monday, Children and Youth Minister Roger Jaensch unveiled the government's master plan for the new facility, which will be built in Pontville, north of Hobart, with construction expected to begin this year.
He said construction was set to be completed by the end of 2027 and then Ashley will close sometime after that, likely in early 2028.
Mr Jaensch said the government remained "100 per cent committed" to closing the current facility, but it could not be done without a new, operational facility ready to go.
"We cannot do it before we have a new functional detention facility," Mr Jaensch said.
"We believe, and with the support of the parliament, with the bill that we're tabling tomorrow, that we can see the new facility built before the end of 2027 and the closure of Ashley shortly thereafter."
Asked if early 2028 was the new closure date for Ashley, Mr Jaensch said: "That would be the first opportunity."
According to the master plan, the facility will be smaller than the current youth detention centre, with a capacity for 16 young people.
The new facility, Mr Jaensch said, will focus on providing a "therapeutic youth justice model".
"Very clearly, we do not intend to close the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and replace it with something which looks and works the same as Ashley," Mr Jaensch said.
There will be two further "orientation beds" for when they come in, and two more beds for "health needs", the deputy secretary for child and safety justice operations, Peter Whitcombe, said.
According to Mr Whitcombe, Ashley currently has 20 spaces for young people, "give or take".
Government's changing plans
Last November, Premier Jeremy Rockliff gave an apology to 129 former detainees —
In 2022, the Tasmanian government announced five purpose-built facilities with a preventative, rather than punishment focus, to replace Ashley.
These were to include a detention centre in the south, two assisted bail facilities in the north and south, and two supported residential facilities in the north and south.
Last October, the plan changed.
Four of the five facilities were placed on the back burner, with the focus moved to building one new youth detention facility in Pontville.
Mr Jaensch said at the time that the government would instead invest in existing providers, facilities and services, but left the door open for future facilities to be built.
These, he said at the time, may still be built if the government found there was not enough capacity within the sector.
