The ACT Government has agreed with most of the Health Services Commissioner's recommendations from a review of opioid replacement therapy at Alexander Maconochie Centre, but maintains a needle and syringe program is not currently achievable.
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The commissioner’s review was a recommendation arising from the Moss Review into the treatment and care of Steven Freeman, who died in custody in 2016.
According to the report, almost 30 per cent of inmates at the Alexander Maconochie Centre reported using heroin inside the prison in 2016.
The review made 16 recommendations, of which the government agreed to 12, agreed in principle to three and noted one.
The report had called on the government to work to implement a needle syringe program in the prison to reduce the risk of blood borne viruses.
"This recommendation is agreed in principle, however it is not achievable at the moment," the government's response said.
"In September 2016, ACT Corrective Service Officers voted overwhelmingly against the introduction of a Needle and Syringe Program at the [prison]"
The government also did not commit to having naloxone available at all hours at the prison, a drug that can reverse opioid overdose.
The government said it was available at the prison but could only be administered by medical staff.
"In order for naloxone to be available over a 24 hour period at the [prison], processes, logistics and budget will need to be evaluated prior to any implementation," the report said.
Minister for Corrections Shane Rattenbury said the government had already completed 10 of the commissioner’s recommendations.
He said work on the remaining recommendations was underway.
It comes as the government today also agreed to the seven recommendations in Coroner Cook’s findings on the Inquest into the death in custody of Steven Freeman.
Among the recommendations not committed to was introducing compulsory exercise program, saying legislation does not allow it.
Mr Rattenbury said the government welcomed the coroner’s recommendations and noted the findings that the quality of care, treatment and supervision afforded to Steven Freeman by ACT Corrective Services and ACT Health was not found to have contributed to his death.
He said the findings did identify systemic issues that are being addressed.
“The ACT Government will continue to drive improvements in the care, safety and health of detainees in the [prison]," Mr Rattenbury said.
“Significant work has been undertaken since the tragic death of Steven Freeman in May of 2016, largely as a result of the Moss Review, which preceded Coroner Cook’s inquest and the Health Services Commissioner’s review.
“The government is committed to ensuring that our corrections and justice health systems operate as effectively as possible and in a collaborative way that ensures their services complement each other.
“We remain committed to a process of continuous improvement and will progress the implementation of the remaining recommendations from the Moss Review, the coroner’s report and the Health Services Commissioner’s report over the coming months.”
