ONESIMUS
FOUNDATION
TASMANIA CUSTODIAL REFERENCE GROUP
TASMANIA CUSTODIAL REFERENCE GROUP
What is the TCRG?
The TCRG is broadly based on the Victorian Custodial Reference Group which was established in 2012 to improve the criminal justice system in terms of custodial matters and with a focus on those persons in custody.
The group recognises that imprisonment is a sanction of last resort and that the human rights of prisoners must be protected. The uniqueness of the TCRG is that we are a group of people who are working across the whole system from when someone is first placed in custody, to their Court date and to their release day. We meet to work cooperatively and collaboratively to achieve improvements in the Tasmanian custodial system.
The TCRG normally meets monthly and provides for virtual participation. Members voluntarily give their time to the meetings. We believe that by sharing our expertise, we can find solutions to systemic issues that are identified/raised by others within the group. Inquiry submissions require unanimous agreement if to be prepared by the TCRG. Statistics provided to the TCRG are for members’ information only and not to be circulated outside of the group except for Magistrate forums.
The Inaugural Meeting of the TCRG was held on 10th December 2021 and comprised representatives from Magistrates Court, Tasmania Prison Service, Tasmanian Police, Salvation Army and Onesimus Foundation.
Contact Us
" Restorative justice puts a human face on the handling of crime and violence. Rather than being purely punitive in approach, restorative justice involves the entire community."
Carol Palmer
OUR MISSION
1. To improve the criminal justice system in terms of custodial matters and with a focus on those persons in custody;
2. To recognise that imprisonment is a sanction of last resort and that the human rights of prisoners must be protected;
3. To work cooperatively and collegiately to achieve improvements in the Tasmanian custodial system; and
4. To operate within the rules and procedures of relevant laws and regulations.
5. To share our expertise and find solutions to systemic issues that are identified/raised by others within the group.
MEETINGS
Meetings are to be held as regularly as deemed appropriate by the Chair (a minimum of one meeting every three months), at a time and place which allows for the majority of subscribed members to attend.
Meetings are consultative by nature and all members are treated as equals. All invited Guests are to be treated with respect are given an opportunity to be heard. Statistics and other information provided to the TCRG are for members’ information only and not to be circulated outside of the group except for Magistrate forums.