Figures mask true state of overcrowding in ‘powder keg’ prison, says Custodial Inspector

The true level of the “serial human rights abuse of overcrowding” in the state’s prison system is being hidden in the way the figures are reported, a review has found.

THE true extent of capacity issues within Tasmanian prisons is being masked by the way it is reported, the state’s Custodial Inspector has found.

In his capacity utilisation review tabled in parliament on Tuesday, Richard Connock said the current calculation used by the system was not reflective of reality because of the omission of beds considered as temporary.

Mr Connock said in the maximum security unit of Risdon Prison, 28 cells intended for single occupancy had been reconfigured to double cells, while 32 cells in medium security had been converted to double or triple occupancy.

The true extent of capacity issues within Tasmanian prisons is being masked by the way it is reported, the state’s Custodial Inspector has found. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Prisoners Legal Service Tasmania chair Greg Barns said the review lifted the lid on the “serial human rights abuse of overcrowding”, which he said must be immediately addressed.

Corrections Minister Elise Archer said of seven recommendations made as part of the review, five have already been addressed.

Greens justice spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the review was damning and the state’s prisons were an “overcrowded powder keg”.

Follow @cwhiteley12