Thursday, 15 May 2025

Corrections system

Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (01:57): (1633) My adjournment this evening is to the Minister for Corrections, and the action I seek is that the minister tables a written update on the implementation of the cultural review of the adult custodial corrections system in Victoria.

Services in women’s prisons are under regular scrutiny for failing to meet acceptable standards. A recent incident in May at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Victoria’s maximum security women’s prison, highlighted severe staff shortages leading to prolonged lockdowns. Nearly 60 staff members were absent, resulting in inmates being confined to their cells, exacerbating mental health issues and raising concerns about safety and humane treatment. Healthcare services within these facilities have also been criticised. A report by the Victorian Ombudsman revealed that an Indigenous prisoner resorted to using a pencil sharpener and tweezers to treat an ingrown toenail due to delays in accessing medical care within the system. The report condemned the lack of culturally informed healthcare policies for First Nations people in custody and called for reforms to ensure culturally safe healthcare services.

Mental health care continues to also be an area of concern. A mentally unwell woman has been held in solitary confinement for nearly a decade at a secure mental health forensic facility in Victoria. Despite recommendations for her reintegration since 2017, little progress has been made, prompting a Victorian judge to label the situation an emergency.

The government commissioned an independent cultural review of the adult custodial corrections system, and the review, involving over 1700 participants, aimed to create a safer and more inclusive environment within the prison system. Advocacy groups, such as the Victorian Women’s Health Services Network, welcomed these recommendations, emphasising the need for systemic changes to address gender-based violence and improve conditions for women in custody with adequate staffing, culturally informed health care, mental health support and infrastructure improvements. That report was given to the government in December 2020, more than 2½°years ago. Last year, via questions without notice, I asked the minister for an update on the implementation of the important reforms outlined in the cultural review. So at this time the action I seek is for the minister to update the house with a written update on implementation progress.