LNP COMPLACENCY OVER EVER RISING PRISON POPULATION

Media Release

The Newman Government continues to ignore warnings that Queensland’s prisons are now dangerously overcrowded says Shadow Corrective Services Minister, Bill Byrne.

“The prison population has been rising steadily as a consequence of the LNP’s hard-line mandatory sentencing and bikie laws,” said Mr Byrne.

“The Newman Government has failed completely to plan for the rising numbers in our jails where inmates are being compelled to spend longer in their cells and where doubling up – two prisoners in cells designed for single occupants – is common.

“For months now the Opposition and those who work in the service have been warning that a combination of overcrowding and low staff morale is increasing the risk of violent attacks on staff in prisons.

“Now the state secretary of the Together Union, Norm Jacobsen, has confirmed that there has been a spike in assaults at Lotus Glen in Far North Queensland where, he says, the suicide-watch safety centre and detention centre can’t cope with demand.

“Chances are the assault rates will increase further in May when a ban on smoking in prisons begins.”

Mr Byrne said the LNP’s complacency over the issue was breathtaking.

“The safety of prison staff and surrounding communities must be the top priority for the government.

“But unfortunately the Newman Government’s priority seems to be self-promotion.

“The Attorney-General continues to ignore the concerns of prison officers and the LNP continues to insist that the system can accommodate inmates without the need to plan for the consequences.”

Mr Byrne said it was telling the Newman Government had not updated the Open Data Qld prison population data this month and had previously hidden the figures for four months.