Taxpayers spend $80k in two years on nicotine patches in SA prisons after total smoking ban

Taxpayers have spent $80,000 on nicotine patches for SA prisoners after the total smoking ban, as the Public Service Association warns of a black market in jails.

Taxpayers have spent more than $80,000 in two years on nicotine patches after the total ban on smoking in South Australian jails. But the Public Service Association warns that a nicotine black market has emerged within the prison system.

Latest data from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has revealed that since a total smoking ban in prisons in February 2020, $40,000 per year has been spent on two weeks’ worth of nicotine replacement patches for new inmates.

After their first fortnight, prisoners have to buy patches and lozenges from prison canteens.

But a “black market” has emerged within the system, said Public Service Authority general secretary Nev Kitchin.

“Initially, when prisons went smoke free, the Department provided prisoners with nicotine patches free of charge,” he said.

PSA General Secretary Nev Kitchin. Picture: Supplied

“Since the Department switched to providing nicotine lozenges – for which prisoners need to pay – a black market has developed.”

Mr Kitchin said the PSA was concerned about a “potential[ly] violent” black market as inmates struggle with nicotine withdrawals and use the patches as a form of currency.
“If the Department provided the lozenges at no cost, as they did with the patches, this would reduce the risk of them being used by prisoners as a form of currency, and would reduce withdrawal issues,” he said.

“This in turn should result in a reduction in the potential for stand-over and violence within our corrections system.”

Mr Kitchin warned of increased danger to the health and safety of his members working in the system.

“The PSA’s main concern is for the health and safety of our members working in an environment that is already dangerous,” he said.

DCS data showed that 152 tobacco or related items, such as lighters and cigarette papers, were seized in SA prisons since February 2020.

DCS data shows 152 seizures of tobacco products from prisons in SA since February 2020.

Tobacco products were the highest contraband seizure with 61 items found, while 70 lighters, 12 packets of cigarettes, seven tobacco and lighters in the same incident and two sets of rolling papers were found.

Cadell Training Centre, the lowest security prison in the state, had the highest number of seizures at 66, while Mount Gambier and Adelaide Women’s Prison followed with 41 and 12 tobacco item finds respectively.

Cadell Training Centre, where 66 seizures were reported. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

From February 2020, the state government implemented the smoking ban in prisons – including removing tobacco products from prison canteens – after a gradual rollout in 2019.

But Correctional Services Minister Vincent Tarzia said the rollout had been a “huge success”.

“The improved availability of healthy food options and introduction of sports competitions and broader physical activities has been key to help prisoners improve their lifestyles,” he said,

“The move to smoke-free prisons has benefited all prisoners and staff – including those impacted by second-hand smoking – and alleviated pressure on our health system.”