TASMANIA

Push for new strip search laws

TASMANIA'S Commissioner for Children has called for a review into strip search laws.

Aileen Ashford said she would push for legislative change to bring the state into line with many Australian and international jurisdictions, which require a court warrant.

"This could happen to any child, your child, and any child should be protected," Ms Ashford said.

She also asked if child protection authorities had been notified of the 12-year-old girl who was strip searched at a Rokeby home last week.

Police Minister David O'Byrne threw cold water on the legislative overhaul call yesterday, defending police discretion to strip search children.  "The current legislation has no provision for children and young people so they are treated the same as adults," Ms Ashford said. "Strip searching clearly has the potential to cause significant trauma and distress to a child.

"A child should only be strip searched in extremely limited circumstances and as a last resort. This includes children in detention."

Ms Ashford also raised concerns that the State Government had stalled a review of the Youth Justice Act.  And she said the Government had not yet responded to her office's push to be able to investigate such complaints.  But she said the Ombudsman would be well placed to investigate.

Ms Ashford is meeting the Assistant Police Commissioner today.

The girl was searched by two female officers under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Police said drugs and cash were found at the house. No one had yet been charged.

But Mr O'Byrne said he was satisfied from talks with police that the strip search was justified.

He said he was open to any improvements but there would be no formal review of the legislation at this point.

The Australian Lawyers Alliance has called for an independent investigation and an overhaul of Tasmania's strip search laws.

Michelle Paine
2 February 23012

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/02/02/297581_tasmania-news.html