The Greens have the news (suspiciously timed to coincide with World Aids Day) that another prisoner has contracted hepatitis C, thus strengthening calls for a needle exchange:
“The concerning news that an inmate at the AMC has contracted Hepatitis C, demonstrates once again the urgent need for an NSP at the AMC.”
“By not having an NSP we are placing the lives of inmates at risk, along with the health and safety of all AMC staff. We are also failing to recognise the ongoing impacts a virus such as Hep C has on the lives of those who contract it and their families,” Ms Bresnan said.
On 15 July 2010 the ACT Greens released a discussion paper outlining evidence and reviewing international examples of NSPs in prisons.
“That was nearly a year and a half ago, and we are still debating the issue. We are allowing prisoners to contract this debilitating virus when we could be doing something to prevent this from happening.
“It’s time we looked at what is evidence-based practice and listened to the chorus of individuals, organisations and health professionals calling for an NSP to be trialled in the ACT’s prison.
“On World AIDS day today, it is timely for everyone to remember the seriousness of blood borne viruses.