Goulburn Correctional Complex: Inspector calls for maximum security prison to be closed

Corrective Services has been told to close a massive maximum security prison by its own Custodial Services Inspector. See the long list of reasons why here.

The NSW Government has been told it is “inevitable” that maximum security facilities within the Goulburn Correctional Centre will need to be shut down.

Custodial Services Inspector, Fiona Rafter, revealed she recommended the closure of the ageing facility in an in-depth analysis of the complex during a 2021 review, released to NSW Parliament on Wednesday.

Officers at Goulburn Correctional Centre. Picture: Toby Zerna

“The need to close the maximum-security area of Goulburn Correctional Centre seems inevitable”, she said in a report. “Planning for this change is essential for ensuring suitable alternative placements for inmates with protection or association issues and for providing staff with some clarity and certainty about their futures,” she said.

The release of the inspector’s findings come as questions have been raised as to why two rival gang leaders were locked in a room together alone before Brothers 4 Life boss Farhad Qaumi repeatedly stabbed triple murderer Abuzar Sultani in a TV room at Goulburn Supermax in May, 2020.

The official reopening of the refurbished High Risk Management Correctional Centre (Supermax) and tour of the facility. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Taylor

The maximum security units within Goulburn Correctional Centre differ from the High Risk Management Correctional Centre (HRMCC), also known as Supermax.

The inspection saw a massive 37 recommendations for Corrective Services NSW to address within the facility, with its first being the creation of a plan to close “Goulburn Correctional Centre’s maximum security accommodation units and yards”.

“There were considerable differences in the physical environment across the separate parts of the Goulburn Correctional Complex,” Ms Rafter said. “Generally, we found the HRMCC to be a functional and well-equipped high security facility, enhanced by recent refurbishments.

“In contrast, the maximum security area of Goulburn CC is one of the oldest pieces of custodial infrastructure operating in NSW and is no longer fit-for-purpose.

The refurbished High Risk Management Correctional Centre (Supermax). Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Taylor

“The cells were dark, poorly ventilated, susceptible to extreme temperatures, did not contain

showers, and had ligature points.”

Ms Rafter said discriminatory practices of segregating inmates “based on the racial and cultural backgrounds” was still occurring within the entire correctional complex.

“Inmates held at the HRMCC are considered by the Commissioner of CSNSW to pose a special risk to national security,” she said. “Despite many improvements in HRMCC — including greater access to exercise, phone calls and visits — inmates still had no access to programs, work or education.”

A Correctional Officer checking on a cell at Goulburn Correctional Centre today. Picture: Tim Hunter.

The inspector said the correctional complex was also suffering from “significant staffing difficulties” resulting in lockdowns and “reduced time out of cells”.

“We also heard allegations of discrimination, harassment, and bullying between staff and became aware of a number of complaints being investigated by CSNSW’s Professional Standards Branch,” she said.

Corrections Minister Geoff Lee said he would “carefully consider” the recommendations of the Custodial Services inspector following the release of the report.

Opposition spokeswomans Tara Moriarty questioned how the NSW Government could allow the long list of failures outlined in the report.

“The report calls for increases in officers, highlights significant concerns about the state of the facility, as well as the need for more supervision inside maximum security,” she said. “The most alarming part of the report is the call for the closure of maximum security units and yards as well as significant failures in security.”