Workers, teacher assaulted at troubled Parkville Youth Justice Centre
Detainees are in lockdown and staff have stopped work at the troubled Parkville Youth Justice Centre following another violent attack on the weekend, which saw three workers taken to hospital.
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Inmates at the troubled Parkville Youth Justice Centre remain in lockdown today following a violent food fight which left three staff members injured on Saturday.
Detainees are expected to remain in lockdown for much of Monday as staff safety discussions continue.
Inmates have been locked in their cells since Saturday night, as staff were ordered to stop work.
The inmates had their movements restricted around the facility and visits were suspended.
Health and safety talks are currently underway between Parkville YJC management, the Department of Justice and Community Safety and prison union officials.
WorkSafe is also expected to attend the facility.
Staff remain on site monitoring the units.
The attack happened just before 2.30pm on Saturday, with an Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman confirming paramedics had been called to the centre after reports of an assault.
“Three people have been taken to hospital with upper body injuries,” the spokeswoman said.
It is understood all three were assessed as a precaution.
The Herald Sun understands two teenagers, one aged just 15, were involved in the attack, which was said to be over food.
The pair is believed to be at the centre for committing violent crimes.
The Westgate Unit was is reportedly put in lockdown with staff said to be concerned after another prison officer was left in hospital in a separate incident on last Sunday.
Up to 12 inmates are thought to have been involved in the attack, with the officer suffering possible cheek fractures.
The Herald Sun in July revealed youth inmates had launched 220 assaults on staff in Parkville in the eight months.
The incidents ranged from pushing and spitting to terrifying bashings of officers in an environment where insiders say there is no respect.
A Department of Justice spokesperson said police have been notified.
“As with all incidents or allegations of violence or assault, the matter has been referred to Victoria Police,” the spokesperson said.
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“Violent behaviour or assaults at youth justice centres are absolutely unacceptable, and the safety of staff, young people and the community is of the utmost importance.
“New laws are now in effect that strengthen consequences for young people who assault youth justice custodial workers, damage property, and escape or try to escape.
“This includes a presumption they will serve their sentences on top of an existing period of detention.”