The restraint of a boy at a Tasmanian youth detention centre during a series of clashes between inmates and staff has resulted in the official investigation of a worker for possible criminal charges.
After reviewing CCTV footage of the incidents which spanned July 14 and 15 at the northern Ashley Youth Detention Centre, the state's department of human services on Friday recommended the worker's conduct be subject to further analysis.
"(The review) found the matter is of such gravity that a formal state service investigation into a staff member will commence following the finalisation of the police investigation," Human Services Minister Jacqui Petrusma said.
"This investigation ... is in relation to a possible breach of the State Service Code of Conduct, and relates to allegations of breaches of operating procedures in the restraint of a young person."
The government has refused to reveal details, but Ms Petrusma has previously ruled out evidence of stripping, tying, gagging or mechanical restraint
"To release either the report or the footage would compromise due process and procedural fairness for the individuals ... as well as possibly jeopardising the police investigation," she added.
The worker in question has agreed not to return to the centre until the investigation is complete.
The case comes amid calls for the royal commission into Northern Territory youth detention to be expanded to cover Queensland where further damaging allegations of mistreatment have surfaced.
The treatment of boys at Darwin's Don Dale youth detention centre has attracted widespread condemnation, including from the United Nations.
