The Select Committee Inquiry into Ashley Home for Boys was appointed on 18 October 1962 and again on 20 March 1963. It investigated the rehabilitation, discipline, work, and recreation of the boys at Ashley as well as its staffing. The Select Committee reported in 1963.
The Select Committee seems to have been prompted by public concerns about the number of escapes from Ashley. Charles Best, the Member of the Legislative Council for Meander, which included Deloraine, instigated the Inquiry. The government, led by the Chief Secretary, James Connolly, opposed it, claiming that it was unnecessary because a new secure unit was already planned.
The Select Committee investigated the following issues:
The Select Committee made nine recommendations. They were:
Sources used to compile this entry: 'Inquiry will be held into Ashley Home for Boys', The Mercury, 19 October 1962, p. 3; 'Leg. Council to hold probe into Boys' Home', Examiner, 19 October 1962, p. 1; Tasmania. Parliament. Legislative Council. Select Committee, Ashley home for boys : report of Select Committee of the Legislative Council, with minutes of proceedings, Government Printer, Hobart, 1963.
Prepared by: Caroline Evans
Created: 14 January 2014, Last modified: 24 June 2014