Prison Official Visitors

Prison Official Visitors are members of the community who are appointed to visit prisons and reception centres to check on the way in which prisoners and detainees are being treated. They also investigate complaints made to them by prisoners and detainees.

Official Visitors operate independently from the Tasmanian Prison Service. Consistently with their independence, their administrative support is provided by the Office of the Ombudsman and Health Complaints Commissioner.

Prison Official Visitors are appointed under the Corrections Act 1997. The Act requires us to make monthly visits to authorised prisons. Our role is to:

• Enquire into the treatment, behaviour and conditions of prisoners and detainees
• Receive and investigate any complaint of a prisoner or detainee

We report to the Minister at least once a year on the enquiries that we have made.

We aim to resolve complaints and issues during our visits, through discussions with prison management. Occasionally, issues may be referred to the Ombudsman for investigation. Prisoners can also lodge complaints with the Ombudsman.

Dr Grant Davies was appointed as Ombudsman and Health Complaints Commissioner in July 2025.

Do you want to make a complaint?

You can make a complaint using our online form.

If you are not sure, or wish to discuss your potential complaint with us, you are welcome to call us on 1800 001 170 and ask to speak to an Official Visitor.  Visit the contact us page for more contact details.