Capricornia Correctional Centre internal review: Evexia appointed to undertake review

The independent review is an opportunity for all officers to speak confidentially about any concerns around workplace practices, behaviour, engagement and communication at the centre.

The independent review into the alleged toxic workforce culture at the Capricornia Correctional Centre formally began this month.

The review was announced in July, after complaints from prison staff and union members at the Rockhampton jail.

Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) confirmed the review began in the first week of October, with firm Evexia appointed to undertake the review.

Deputy Commissioner Custodial Operations, Gary McCahon said QCS expected officers to perform their duties ethically and professionally, and that this review supported providing a safe, healthy and encouraging work environment for the officers who work there.

“In July, I announced that there would be an independent external review into the workplace culture at Capricornia Correctional Centre to ensure it is operating to its full potential,” Mr McCahon said.

“The review will provide us with the opportunity to ensure the officers who work there are appropriately supported to do their important work professionally and safely.

“It is an opportunity for all officers to speak confidentially to an independent expert about any concerns relating to workplace practices, behaviour, engagement and communication at the centre,” Mr McCahon said.

QCS announced the review would support the Capricornia Correctional Centre’s general manager, chief superintendent Richard Butcher as new infrastructure comes on-line at the centre, effectively doubling the size of the prison.

“The goal of the review is to identify strategies to align the values and standards of behaviour with the expectations of a professional, high performing corrective services agency,” Mr Butcher said.

“I encourage all officers at Capricornia to participate in the review, which is underway.

“The input and insight of officers is critical to not only understanding the current workplace culture but identifying strategies to improve operations.”

QCS was unable to comment on how many officers had taken part at this stage, due to confidentiality.

Corrective Services, Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan was in Rockhampton this week visiting fire stations.

The Morning Bulletin sat down with him to ask about the review and the claims of the toxic workforce culture on Wednesday, fewer than 24 hours before prisoner riots broke out on Thursday morning, forcing the centre into lockdown for most of the day.

Mr Ryan said it would be inappropriate to comment on the review as it was crucial it remained confidential.

“What we want to do is create an environment where all the custodial officers feel like they can provide confidential, frank and fearless feedback as part of this process,” he said.

Mr Ryan encouraged all custodial officers and staff members at the prison to participate and provide feedback in the review.

“There is a longer process to go, the conversations have started,” he said.

“The more people who are involved in providing their feedback to the reviewer the better picture can be provided.

“Ultimately it’s about providing the best possible workforce and workplace we can have there.”

Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Townsville Correctional Centre underwent an internal independent review in 2019 which 79 officers participated.

A review was handed down in June 2020 and revealed explosive claims of poor management conduct, bullying, lack of action from complaints from prisoners and employees, belittling treatment and fear of officer wellbeing and safety.

“That was very well supported by custodial officers, the recommendations were very well supported and are being implemented,” Mr Ryan said.

The Morning Bulletin in recent months has spoken to a number of former Capricornia Correctional Centre employees who have shared their stories of alleged assaults in the prison, hazing in training, bullying and unrest.

One former employee in particular raised her concerns with Minister Ryan’s office, of which The Morning Bulletin witnessed documents, and did not receive a response.

When asked about this, Mr Ryan said he would not comment on particular matters.

“All allegations are referred to the appropriate authority for investigation and those would be escalated through the Queensland Corrective Services or if they require forwarding to another authority then that would happen,” he said.

“I’m always happy to get my office to follow up on particulars.”

The Capricornia Correctional Centre is undergoing a huge $241 million expansion with 348 new cells, creating 130 extra full-time permanent jobs at the prison.

The works include 164 additional residential cells in new buildings, 100 bunks in secure cells, a new residential officers station and a site-wide electronic security upgrade.

Construction works began in early 2018 and Mr Ryan said the works were tracking well, considering the COVID-19 trades and supply delays and weather.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

It is understood trades have been stopped on site a number of times throughout the project for various reasons including prison lockdowns, union meetings and riots.

Trades were asked to leave the site on Thursday morning when a prisoner riot broke out, with multiple worker utes seen leaving the centre.