Ashley Youth Detention Centre closure delayed again, to 2028, as replacement master plan unveiledCBy Clancy BalenTopic:Justice System23m ago23 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:49amThe Ashley Youth Detention Centre was examined in the state's commission of inquiry into institutional abuse. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)abc.net.au/news/tas-ashley-youth-detention-centre-closure-change/105252698Link copiedShareShare articleThe 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.Labelled a "gladiator pit" and a "prison for kids", the Ashley Youth Detention Centre was a focus of the state's Commission of Inquiry into Government Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings in 2022.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 plansLast November, Premier Jeremy Rockliff gave an apology to 129 former detainees — a condition of the $75 million settlement the state agreed to pay for decades of alleged abuse at the facility.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.Posted 23m ago23 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:49am, updated 18m ago18 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:53amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesTrump says Albanese a 'friend of mine' and has 'no idea' who Dutton isLIVE'Laughable policies': Voters explain what went wrong for CoalitionTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows A young coupleFirst Canada, then Australia: Trump is toxic for conservatives everywhereAAnalysis by Alan KohlerPhoto shows man with a bald head and glasses faces a man with blond hairLiberal senator slams leadership contender Angus TaylorTopic:Liberal Party of AustraliaPhoto shows Hollie Hughes dstopThe message to the Coalition is clear: This is not John Howard's AustraliaPAnalysis by Patricia KarvelasPhoto shows Anthony Albanese holds up his hands to calm the crowd.Related storiesAshley youth detention replacement plan shelved as government looks to fund existing servicesTopic:PrisonsPhoto shows A sign saying 'Ashley Youth Detention Centre' outside some fencing.Related topicsHobartJustice SystemPontvilleTop StoriesTrump says Albanese a 'friend of mine' and has 'no idea' who Dutton isTopic:Australian Federal Elections'Laughable policies': Voters explain what went wrong for CoalitionTopic:ElectionsFirst Canada, then Australia: Trump is toxic for conservatives everywhereAAnalysis by Alan KohlerLiberal senator slams leadership contender Angus TaylorTopic:Liberal Party of AustraliaThe message to the Coalition is clear: This is not John Howard's AustraliaPAnalysis by Patricia KarvelasJust InAshley Youth Detention Centre closure delayed again, to 2028BREAKING18m ago18 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:53amTrump announces 100 per cent tariffs on movies made outside of AmericaTopic:Film Industry27m ago27 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:45amPilot who crashed at Avalon Airshow says he suffered spinal damageTopic:Accidents and Emergency Incidents35m ago35 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:37amHow DNA matchmaking of rams and ewes could 'droughtproof sheep'Topic:Sheep Farming36m ago36 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:35amMore Just InBack to top