The $17million replacement of 40 vehicles over two years was in direct response to coronial recommendations following the death of Mr Ward in a prison transport vehicle in January 2008.
Mr Redman said the Liberal-National Government and the Department of Corrective Services had demonstrated its commitment to the implementation of all coronial recommendations.
The recommendations were released less than 18 months ago and the State Government has fulfilled its commitment to replace all vehicles by the end of this year.
“I am very pleased to announce we’ve taken delivery of the final replacement vehicles and they will be on the road in the next few weeks,” the Minister said.
“In addition to replacing the entire fleet of transport vehicles, coaches have been introduced for long-distance hauls, along with air charter services for a number of remote and regional prisoner transfers.
“I congratulate Commissioner Ian Johnson and former Corrective Services Minister Christian Porter on their efforts to implement these significant changes.”
The replacement fleet is based on Minimum Standards for Secure Escort Vehicles guidelines, developed by the department.
The guidelines stipulate vehicle standards, the provision of remote temperature monitoring, audible duress/call alarms, intercom systems, visual monitoring, welfare checks and interaction with prisoners at least every two hours during the journey, comfort breaks and sufficient water.
“The process of change should always be ongoing and the commissioner and I are committed to this. We want to reduce the need for transporting prisoners in the first instance and improve the safety and security of those who have to be transported,” Mr Redman said.
“Air transport and other initiatives, such as the establishment of Australia’s first minimum safety standards for the transport of detained persons, has forever changed the delivery of this service.”
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