Ageing Infrastructure in Australia’s Prison System Raises Alarm

Recent reports from prison inspectors across Australia reveal significant concerns regarding the ageing infrastructure within the country's prison system. Many facilities are over a century old, with some accommodation units in New South Wales operating for 135 years and others barely renovated since the 1960s. This outdated infrastructure is posing serious health and safety risks to both inmates and staff.

The New South Wales Inspector of Custodial Services recommended the closure of medium-security accommodation areas at Bathurst Correctional Centre. These '1800s-era' buildings are deemed 'no longer fit for purpose,' with cells described as 'dark, dilapidated, susceptible to extreme temperatures, as well as lacking ventilation and natural light,' and often housing two people. The report emphasized that such environments fall far short of modern correctional standards and present considerable risks. Despite temporary closures, two units were reopened to full capacity, prompting the inspector to urge permanent closure.

The Western Australian Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (OICS) also raised major concerns about Albany Regional Prison, where the original infrastructure from 1966, including Unit 1 accommodation, the education centre, health centre, and kitchen, largely remains unchanged. The OICS has been alerting the state government to these issues for over 20 years, even recommending the complete replacement of Unit 1 in previous reports. Cells in Unit 1 are significantly smaller than national guidelines, with double-bunked cells measuring 6.43 square metres, compared to the recommended 12.75 square metres for doubles.