Community and Public Sector Union calls for statewide taskforce to probe Barwon Prison assaults

There are calls for an investigation into the alarming frequency of recent bloodshed inside Barwon Prison, with staff in one unit particularly vulnerable in the wake of a double stabbing.

Signage is seen for the HM Prison Barwon in Geelong.

The union representing concerned guards at HM Barwon Prison has called for an investigation into the alarming frequency of recent violent assaults, with staff inside one unit particularly vulnerable in the wake of a double stabbing.

The Community and Public Sector Union has claimed a number of prison workers at the maximum security jail have reported “feeling unsafe” to complain directly to Corrections Victoria due to fears over alleged retaliation.

It comes after two prisoners inside the Grevillea unit were involved in a knife fight on Monday, with one taken to Geelong hospital under heavy police guard.

A Victoria Police vehicle believed to have escorted a prisoner to Geelong hospital after a stabbing on Monday. Photo: Supplied.

A CPSU spokesman told the Geelong Advertiser pressure from prison management to operate without enough staff was a major cause of the recent inmate violence, and concerns had been raised directly with Barwon over the running of the Grevillea wing.

“The union has raised concerns about that unit not being fit for purpose as an intermediate regimen unit,” he said.

The union also claims there are allegations prisoners are not being classified correctly or are being changed once arriving at the prison.

The spokesman has implored WorkSafe Victoria to act, saying the watchdog “needs to be more proactive and protect our prison members by issuing safety notices against the jail.”

“CPSU has requested a statewide group be formed to look at the ongoing assaults,” he said.

“Staff across the state report feeling unsafe to raise these issues to Corrections directly due to alleged retaliation.”

Emergency services at Barwon Prison after an alleged attack on guards in March. Picture: Alan Barber

There have been a number of attacks on staff at the facility this year, including eight inside a three-day period in March.

WorkSafe inspectors attended the prison that month and “are still determining whether further action is required,” according to an agency spokesman.

A spokeswoman from the Department of Justice and Community Safety told the Geelong Advertiser the safety and wellbeing of staff “is one of our most important priorities and one we take seriously.”

She said workers had access to on-site counselling and debriefs, along with an Employee Assistance Program.

“Corrections workers are supported with training on tactical options and de-escalation techniques, specialist units that undertake analysis of risks and intelligence, and ongoing assessment and placement of prisoners.”

Emergency services ahave responed to a spate on incidents at the Barwon Prison this year. Picture: Alan Barber

The Department also responded to placement concerns, saying Corrections Victoria conducted security and risk assessments “to support the safe and secure placement of people in custody.”

 “Placements are regularly monitored and reviewed, and are modified where an assessment finds that risk and individual requirements have changed,” she said.

It comes as a former guard at the Lara-based facility described “rising tension” inside the prison, which houses some of the state’s most violent criminals.

A number of recent stabbings involving inmates are believed to have been targeted attacks.

“It was getting very tense and you generally know when something might kick off,” he said.

“You can get a gist of it because when you are working in the units all day long you are watching all the time and you get a good idea when something is not right.

“You will find a lot of the other prisoners will just go to their cells, they will not want anything to do with it.”

Originally published as Community and Public Sector Union calls for statewide taskforce to probe Barwon Prison assaults