Prison officers in Queensland fear deaths in custody and more assaults on staff under a proposed bill. The bill would remove a requirement for corrective services staff to consider prisoners' human rights. Officers interviewed by the ABC say overcrowding, including possible triple bunking, would make jails more dangerous. Queensland Corrective Services supports the exemption, saying it is needed for staff and community safety. Corrective Services Minister Laura Gerber says the government will put victims' rights ahead of offenders' rights.
A convicted murderer has lost a legal challenge against the ban on Vegemite in Victoria's prisons. Andre McKechnie, held at Barwon Prison, argued the ban breached his human right to enjoy his Australian culture. Supreme Court Justice Claire Harris found that Vegemite may be seen as part of Australian culture, but that McKechnie's cultural rights were limited because he is a prisoner. She ruled the restriction reasonable. Corrections Victoria had argued the spread could be used to make alcohol and could hinder sniffer dogs detecting contraband.
A convicted killer has lost a legal bid to overturn Victoria's ban on Vegemite in prisons. Andre McKechnie, held at Barwon Prison, argued the ban breached his human right to enjoy Australian culture and was needed for his wellbeing. Supreme Court judge Claire Harris rejected the claim, finding the state's Corrections Act did not require prisons to supply culturally significant foods. She said McKechnie's isolation was more likely caused by imprisonment than by a lack of Vegemite. Corrections Victoria has argued the spread could hamper sniffer dogs and be used to make alcohol.
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Prisoner numbers at Junee Correctional Centre are rising towards 1,000 after the completion of transfers from Goulburn Correctional Centre. About 100 inmates moved to Junee, lifting its population to 820 by the end of September. Its operational capacity is 944, although the prison can hold about 1,280 inmates in total. Corrective Services NSW says increasing numbers and hiring more staff have always been part of its plans. A coronial finding on October 14 warned that mental health services at the prison already fall short of demand.
Parklea Correctional Centre in Sydney has returned to public hands after 17 years of private operation under two contractors. The Public Service Association called the privatisation a failed experiment. Corrective Services NSW carried out a surprise contraband raid during the changeover, uncovering a machete and drug paraphernalia. Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the government is in the latter stages of buying anti-drone technology. An Inspector of Custodial Services report found the main health centre did not provide safe or hygienic accommodation, and Corrective Services Commissioner Gary McCahon said the facilities need to be improved.
A union covering Queensland prison guards warns that jails may be forced to house three prisoners in cells built for one once new breach bail laws take effect. Together Queensland says an expected rise in prisoner numbers could cause sanitation problems, food shortages and more assaults and injuries. The union's survey found 93 per cent of corrections officers said their centres could not safely take more prisoners without extra staff and resources. A parliamentary committee is due to report on the legislation, with the bill targeted for November implementation.
The Queensland government has proposed a bill that would stop prison staff from having to consider prisoners' human rights when making decisions. The rules would apply to all prisoners, including those on remand who have not been convicted. Minister Laura Gerber says the government will always put victims' rights first and that officers should not face extra assessments before lawful action. Opponents, including the Queensland Human Rights Commissioner and the Ombudsman, warn of the risk of abuse and inhumane treatment. The Human Rights Law Centre called the carve-out profoundly dehumanising.
Death row inmate Christa Pike has woken up and is speaking almost a week after a botched execution attempt in Tennessee. Her attorney said she is conscious and receiving critical medical care, despite severe damage to her arms. Pike, 50, was sentenced to death in 1996 for killing her classmate Colleen Slemmer in 1995. Legal experts have questioned whether the state could attempt to execute her again, with some arguing she has satisfied the standard for cruel and unusual punishment.
