Andrews Government promises 1600 new prison beds in $1.8 billion Budget package

A major cash injection will fund hundreds of new prison spaces, including plans for Victoria’s largest maximum-security prison in Lara.

Hundreds of new prison beds will be opened in a $1.8 billion upgrade of Victoria’s corrections system that will be funded in next Monday’s state Budget.

The major cash injection, unveiled by the state government this morning, includes plans to expand the capacity of a new jail in Lara into Victoria’s largest maximum-security prison that would house the state’s worst criminals.

The Chisholm Road prison, located near Barwon Prison, was due to open in 2022 with at least 700 beds.

But Corrections Minister Ben Carroll announced that an extra 548 beds would be included in the new facility as construction starts this year — part of 1600 new beds across the state.

The government has also allocated $6 million to design and plan a new custody and courts complex on government-owned land near the Melbourne Assessment Prison.

The new Lara jail will be built near Barwon Prison. Picture: Jason Edwards

It would provide short-stay cells for prisoners waiting to go to court and new court rooms for magistrates to deal with urgent cases.

The $1.8 billion investment includes $237 million to add an extra 100 beds and improved infrastructure to the women’s prison system.

Mr Carroll said the government was “investing in the infrastructure our corrections system needs to keep the community safe”.

NEW PRISON TO DEAL WITH BOOMING JAIL POPULATION

He said the Budget would also feature a $42.7 million package focused on diversion, rehabilitation and reintegration programs for prisoners, and to reduce incarceration rates.

“We know that community safety is more than just building more prison beds — that’s why we’re boosting prison programs and investing in education and skill development that lead to jobs,” Mr Carroll said.

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