Port Augusta prison placed in lockdown over union dispute

A major SA prison has gone into lockdown after the union criticised the government of a “cursory” response to officers’ safety concerns.

Port Augusta prison has gone into lockdown after safety concerns raised by officers at the facility were not adequately addressed, the corrections union says.

Officers at the prison placed the facility into lockdown on Monday in response to the Correctional Services Department’s handling of recent incidents involving inmates removing windows from a high-security accommodation block to retrieve contraband from the prison grounds at night.

The security breach reportedly occurred in the 128-bed Saltbush Unit, which was opened in 2017.

Port Augusta prison has been placed in lockdown after safety concerns raised by officers at the facility were not adequately addressed, the union says.

Public Service Association general secretary Natasha Brown said officers had “ceased unsafe work” under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.

“Members say the department’s response, so far, has been cursory, and are demanding that management make their workplace safe,” Ms Brown said.

“This is yet another example from a litany of failings and shortcomings of the department, and its cavalier approach to its duty of care to prison staff and the prison population.”

It is unclear how long the lockdown will continue but was expected to run into Tuesday.

A Correctional Services Department spokeswoman said there was no risk to public safety and essential services were continuing to be provided at the prison.

“The Department is currently undertaking the proper assessment of an internal security breach that occurred at Port Augusta Prison, including obtaining and assessing technical and physical security advice,” she said.