Media Release.
Shadow
Corrective Services Minister, Bill Byrne, says overtime restrictions
imposed by the Newman Government are being blamed for a riot at the
Cleveland Youth Detention
Centre at Townsville last night.
“I
am advised the riot caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage to
prison facilities and equipment over about six hours and police needed
to be called in,” Mr Byrne said.
“I also understand the basic problem at the centre is one of overcrowding thanks to Newman Government cuts.
“Feedback
coming to me suggests the centre designed to accommodate 48 offenders
currently has around 60 inmates and there are overtime restrictions on
staff.
“The
priority must be the safety of prison staff, police and the wider
community, but you don’t achieve that by imposing a ‘pressure cooker’
environment in a detention centre.
“The
Newman Government needs to explain why it is putting the safety of its
own employees and Townsville residents at risk,” Mr Byrne said.
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