A new RTI by the Greens shows the corrections system is in crisis, with over 6,000 prison lockdowns occurring in 2024.
The RTI also shows that of the 2,475 lockdowns lasting more than four hours, 93% were caused by staff shortages – more than six per day across the prison complex. All up, staff shortages caused 16,156 hours of lockdowns.
The government has previously tried to defend the lockdowns happening in prisons by saying they happen for a range of reasons. This RTI shows in black and white that staff shortages are playing a massive role – especially in extended lockdowns.
The extreme frequency of lockdowns in prisons is shocking, and we know they are having real consequences. Repeated and extended lockdowns are resulting in clear human rights breaches for people in prison and having terrible impacts on their mental health.
The government has been warned by the Custodial Inspector and advocates for years about the serious situation with prison lockdowns, but this RTI paints the starkest picture yet. It shows the corrections system is in crisis, with people in prison and staff unfairly bearing the brunt of the issue.
We simply cannot go on with frequent and extended lockdowns being a feature of the corrections system. This is an appalling situation, and the Rockliff Government cannot ignore it any longer.
