Who we are
Prison Official Visitors are members of the community who are appointed to visit approved prison facilities to check on how prisoners and detainees are being treated. They also investigate complaints made to them by prisoners and detainees.
Official Visitors are independent from the Tasmanian Prison Service. To ensure their independence, they are supported by the Office of the Tasmanian Ombudsman.
The Prison Official Visitor program is administered by the Coordinating Official Visitor. The responsible Minister has appointed the Tasmanian Ombudsman as Coordinating Official Visitor. The current Tasmanian Ombudsman is Dr Grant Davies.
The Coordinating Official Visitor ensures that each prison is visited at least once a month by an Official Visitor.
Prison Official Visitors are appointed under the Corrections Act 1997 (Tas).
What we do
Official Visitors visit Tasmanian prisons and reception centres at least once a month. During these visits, they:
- look into the conditions and behaviour of people in custody, and how they are treated
- receive and investigate complaints about the treatment and welfare of people in custody.
Whenever possible, Official Visitors try to resolve issues during their visits by talking with prison management.
Handling complaints
People in custody can raise concerns directly with an Official Visitor during a visit.
If an issue cannot be resolved at the prison, it may be referred to the Ombudsman for further investigation. People in custody can also make a complaint directly to the Tasmanian Ombudsman at any time.
Independence and oversight
On a visit, Official Visitors observe how Tasmanian prison facilities operate. However, they do not directly interfere with the management or disciplining of people in custody.
The independence of Official Visitors helps ensure fair and unbiased inspections and reports. While Official Visitors work cooperatively with prison authorities, they remain independent.
Reporting
Official Visitors report on their work and findings to the responsible Minister at least once a year. These reports help improve prison conditions and the wellbeing of people in custody over time.
Prison facilities that we visit
See facilities we visit for a list of prison facilities that we visit.
A brief history of Prison Official Visitors in Tasmania
The oversight of prisons in Tasmania has evolved over time.
- Convict era (1803–1853): Oversight was carried out by magistrates or officials appointed by the Governor.
- After transportation ended (after 1853): Prison oversight shifted to local and then state authorities.
- Modern era: The Corrections Act 1997 (Tas) formally established the role of Official Visitors in Tasmania, with a strong focus on human rights and independent oversight.
Careers
Visit our careers page for information on becoming an Official Visitor.