Tuesday's disturbing report about the unacceptable workplace conditions staff are facing inside Barwon Prison is another example of the Andrews Labor Government's mismanagement of the justice system.
The report makes startling claims about the culture inside Victoria's prisons, revealing that staff are being forced to work double shifts and whole units are being left with little to no supervisory staff.
The Andrews Labor Government is sitting on areport into the culture within the adult custodial corrections system, which was completed on1 December 2022.
Shadow Minister for Criminal Justice Reform and Corrections, Brad Battin, said the Andrews Labor Governmentrefuses to do anything meaningful to protect staff and create a better environment that will help reform those held in custody once they are released.
"The Andrews Labor Government claims that the safety of corrections staff is their top priority and any violence against workers is being taken seriously, but their actions don't support that."
"Without a plan to address these problems, things will never change. Assaults will keep occurring, staff won't want to work in our justice system, and the prison environment will deteriorate further. Our corrections workers deserve a fresh approach and support for their work in the justice system.
"The Liberals and Nationals are serious about Corrections and Criminal Justice reform. These reforms will focus on crime prevention and working with the health sector to establish ways to work with people living with mental health issues, while at the same time doing more to protect the dedicated men and women working inside Victorian custodial facilities."
