State government pleads guilty to workplace safety failure that led to Ravenhall prison riot

THE state government has pleaded guilty to workplace safety charges over Victoria’s worst prison riot, where mayhem erupted after smoking bans were introduced in June 2015.

THE state government has pleaded guilty to workplace safety charges over Victoria’s worst prison riot at the Metropolitan Remand Centre at Ravenhall in June 2015.

The guilty plea from the Department of Justice to a charge of failing to provide a safe workplace has prompted calls for senior figures at Corrections Victoria management to be held responsible.

A committal hearing scheduled for Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday was abandoned after the plea was entered to charges laid by WorkSafe Victoria.

Mayhem had erupted at the jail after smoking bans were introduced.

Eleven officers hurt when prisoners went on the rampage remain on WorkCover.

The government has admitted failing to provide a safe workplace after a riots that caused the state millions of dollars. Picture: Mark Stewart

Smoke billowing over the skyline during the Metropolitan Remand Centre riot. Picture: David Smith

And a Public Accounts and Estimates Committee heard in February that 26 WorkCover claims had been made.

Former MRC officer Matt Kent, who has been unable to return to work and is one of those taking legal actions, said the guilty plea meant it was even more important that someone from Corrections Victoria was held responsible.

“It doesn’t make sense. There’s been no individual accountability,” he said.

Opposition corrections spokesman Edward O’Donohue said “another law-and- order stuff-up” had cost the state more than $100 million.

“This has not only been the worst prison riot in Victoria’s history, it has also been the most expensive and may yet cost tens of millions more,” Mr O’Donohue said.

Riot police at the scene in December 2015.

“None of this accounts for the human cost of lives and ­careers ruined following the injuries sustained by prison ­officers during the riot,” the Liberal MLC said.

In July, the Herald Sun revealed that spending on repairs and new fortifications at the MRC had surged past $100 million.

The cost of legal actions and WorkCover claims could push the cost to Victorian taxpayers much higher.

A Department of Justice and Regulation spokeswoman said its top priority was the safety of everyone working and living in the prison system.

“Corrections Victoria has co-operated fully with WorkSafe’s investigation following the 2015 riot at the Metropolitan Remand Centre,” she said.

“We will be in a position to discuss the matter further once the case has been finalised.”

A plea hearing will be held at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on December 15.

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