More than a year after the Allan Labor Government first became aware of toxic mould that left 450 prison beds uninhabitable, it's happened again, proving they've learned nothing.
The $750 million Prison Infill Expansion Program, announced in 2019, was meant to boost capacity, ease pressure on the justice system, and upgrade infrastructure across five prisons.
Instead, it's been plagued by construction defects, safety concerns, and now major delays due to mould infestation.
The crisis first emerged with black mould discovered in a 212-bed wing at the Metropolitan Remand Centre and a 243-bed unit at Barwon Prison.
Those prison beds remain empty, and now new revelations show the issue has spread, causing delays for the entire expansion program as, well as contributing to cost blow outs.
The Labor Government has launched legal proceedings against the contractors, but taxpayers could still be left with a bill in the tens of millions to repair or demolish defective builds.
Shadow Minister for Corrections David Southwick said the Allan Labor Government must be held accountable for yet another infrastructure failure.
"Only Labor could spend three-quarters of a billion dollars and end up with a mouldy prison that can't house prisoners."
"This is yet another example of Labor waste and mismanagement cutting into frontline services."
"While prison beds rot in a warehouse, violent offenders are being crammed into overcrowded facilities, putting staff and inmate safety at risk."
"Labor can't manage money, can't manage corrections, and Victorians are paying the price."
Mr Southwick is calling on the Allan Government to immediately come clean on:
- How much taxpayer money has already been spent
- The cost of legal action underway
- And when these critical prison beds will finally come online
