The Allan Labor Government has once again shown it cannot be trusted with public money or public safety, with revelations nearly 300 staff were hired to patrol a prison with no prisoners.
The $1.11 billion Western Plains Correctional Centre sat empty for 18 months while the government quietly rolled out full-time staffing - including offering $8,000 sign-on bonuses despite chronic staff shortages and lockdowns in existing prisons.
Shadow Minister for Corrections David Southwick said the latest debacle proved Labor had the wrong priorities.
"Labor's priorities are all wrong. While violent offenders walk our streets and frontline police are stretched thin, they're spending millions hiring guards to watch over an empty prison. This isn't just wasteful, it's dangerous."
Despite the billion-dollar spend, existing jails remain dangerously short-staffed, with reports of crumbling infrastructure, staff safety concerns, and entire wings being shut down due to lack of personnel.
"This is classic Labor - all spin, no substance. They build a billion-dollar prison, fill it with staff but no inmates, and call it a success. Meanwhile, frontline staff are crying out for help, existing facilities are crumbling, and community safety is going backwards."
While the government pats itself on the back, Victorians are footing the bill for Labor's mismanagement - with no improvements to safety, staffing, or prisoner rehabilitation.
Labor can't manage money, can't manage prisons and Victorians are paying the price.
