Opposition calls for watchdog to investigate high-security prison

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Opposition calls for watchdog to investigate high-security prison

By Benjamin Preiss

The Victorian opposition is demanding the public watchdog investigate the state’s biggest high-security prison following a spate of violent attacks on guards and the bashing death of an inmate.

Port Phillip Prison is also facing industrial action from about 600 members of staff with negotiations deteriorating over a new pay deal for prison officers.

Inmates on the roof of Port Phillip Prison last month.

Inmates on the roof of Port Phillip Prison last month. Credit: Nine News

On Wednesday opposition corrections spokesman David Southwick wrote to Auditor-General Andrew Greaves requesting a review of the “ongoing operation” of the prison. The jail is run by private security company G4S.

The request comes after a series of attacks on staff in recent months, including one incident where a guard was stabbed 11 times.

In his letter Mr Southwick cited several serious incidents at the jail, including a security breach where three inmates climbed onto the roof carrying metal bars and the killing of inmate Mark Pollard who died after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of prisoners.

“In light of these recent incidents, the Victorian opposition holds considerable concerns over the systemic failures of Victoria’s correctional system as a whole,” he wrote.

Opposition spokesman on corrections David Southwick wants the Auditor-General  to review the prison system.

Opposition spokesman on corrections David Southwick wants the Auditor-General to review the prison system. Credit: Justin McManus

Mr Southwick said the facility was costing taxpayers $3 billion. G4S has the contract to run the prison until 2037.

Mr Southwick also requested an investigation of the entire correctional system more broadly, including safety, cost efficiency and performance.

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“Victoria is now operating the most expensive, yet worst performing correctional system of any state in the nation,” Mr Southwick wrote.

“We have seen reports of a number of management issues at other correctional facilities in Victoria as well as staff questioning their own safety at these facilities.”

Corrections Minister Ben Carroll said serious incidents in privately operated prisons were "completely unacceptable. He said the Department of Justice and Community Safety was conducting a review of the prison to ensure safe and secure management and operation.

"I have asked the Department to seek assurances from private operator G4S that they are doing everything they can to reduce the risk of incidents and improve safety at Port Phillip Prison," he said.

G4S correctional services director Craig Castle said the safe operation of the site was "paramount" and the company prioritised the wellbeing of staff and people in its care.

"We are taking swift action on recent incidents and have initiated a critical review," he said. "We commit to being transparent with all stakeholders and this will continue to be the case as we work to conclude this review."

About 600 staff at the prison will vote in coming weeks on a range of industrial actions, which could include 24-hour strikes and bans on escorting prisoners to court hearings, as the pay dispute with management escalates.

The prison staff want a 3 per cent annual pay rise but the Community and Public Sector Union say G4S has offered only 2.5 per cent.

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