What did the inspector find at Long Bay Correctional Centre?

The inspector found sections of Long Bay Correctional Centre to be dilapidated, unsafe, and unfit for housing inmates with high needs, including the elderly and disabled.

Why is the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre being criticized?

The Metropolitan Special Programs Centre's infrastructure is outdated (1909) and incapable of providing safe or humane conditions for vulnerable inmates.

What urgent need does the NSW prison system face?

There is an urgent need for suitable accommodation for the growing number of aged and frail people in custody within NSW prisons.

Home / Crime and Justice / Scathing Report: Long Bay Prison Unfit for Use

Scathing Report: Long Bay Prison Unfit for Use

8 Dec

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Summary

Long Bay prison sections are unfit for elderly and disabled inmates.
Inspector urges permanent closure of dilapidated prison units.
Staff policies for transgender inmates not adhered to.

Scathing Report: Long Bay Prison Unfit for Use

The New South Wales prison watchdog has issued a damning report, recommending the permanent closure of specific units within Sydney's Long Bay Correctional Centre. These sections, housing inmates with high needs, including the elderly and those with disabilities, are deemed "incapable of providing safe and humane conditions." The inspector found infrastructure "dilapidated, unsafe, and not fit for purpose," with one area bearing no resemblance to a hospital.

The report detailed significant failings in the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre, which dates back to 1909 and supports aged, frail, and disabled inmates, as well as offenders. Despite temporary closures for consolidation, the watchdog noted a subsequent increase in lockdowns due to staff shortages. The inspector expressed that these temporary measures were insufficient and permanent closure was warranted.