Queensland Prisons on Brink of Crisis as Overcrowding Threatens to Spiral Out of Control
Queensland prisons may have to resort to 'triple bunking' of inmates in cells designed for one person due to overcrowding. The state's prison population is expected to surge with the introduction of new breach bail laws.
Queensland's prisons are facing a crisis of overcrowding, with authorities warning that new bail laws could force the 'triple bunking' of inmates in cells designed for one person. The Union Together Queensland, which represents prison guards, says that the expected surge in prisoner numbers could lead to a sanitation crisis, with insufficient toilets and showers, and kitchens struggling to produce enough food for the inmates.
Overcrowding and Staff Shortages
A survey of custodial corrections officers by Together Queensland found that 93 per cent said their centres could not safely take more prisoners without extra staff and resources. The union says that staff shortages already mean that prisoners are locked in their cells for up to 20 hours a day.