Private prisons “mark their own homework” when allegations of mistreatment and assault are left to self-scrutiny

Tabled in Parliament today, a new investigation report by Victorian Ombudsman Marlo Baragwanath – ‘That’s assault mate’: Investigation into alleged misconduct in a private prison and how it was handled – looked at allegations that staff at the privately run Ravenhall Correctional Centre used unreasonable force against a man being held on remand, restricted his access to medical help and encouraged others in the prison to further harm him.

“What happens inside our prisons matters on the outside,” said Ms Baragwanath. “Most people sent to prison will eventually be released, so long-term community safety requires effective rehabilitation – but that depends on people being treated humanely.”

The investigation found that a prison supervisor used unreasonable force by punching the man on remand and restricting his access to medical help; but it did not substantiate the allegation that the supervisor encouraged others to harm the man further.

The investigation also looked at how the prison operator responded to the alleged events and whether Corrections Victoria provided effective oversight. “There is an inherent conflict of interest when for-profit prison operators investigate themselves, and this case highlights the importance of Corrections Victoria’s oversight role, especially for serious incidents,” Ms Baragwanath said.

“While government can outsource delivery of public services, it cannot outsource its responsibility and must ensure contracts with private entities allow for effective oversight,” Ms Baragwanath said.

The report made five recommendations to the Department of Justice and Community Safety, to address integrity risks and other deficiencies with the prison’s internal controls and the department’s external oversight.

The report recommends the department ensure people in prison always have access to medical services, and that private prison staff are removed from frontline service while under active investigation if there is sufficient evidence and a risk to safety and human rights. The investigation also recommended improving the way incidents at private prisons are investigated and reported on, including annual reporting to Parliament to increase transparency.

“We welcome the Department of Justice and Community Safety accepting four of our recommendations,” said Ms Baragwanath. “In relation to the fifth recommendation, the department has agreed to explore practical ways with us to promote more transparency in the prison system.”

This investigation builds on the Ombudsman’s work to ensure fairness and human rights across all public services, including prisons.

“Nowhere else does the state have such control over an individual as when they are incarcerated. Victorians should be assured that wherever there is such extraordinary power, there is also independent oversight, both proactive and reactive, to ensure humane treatment,” said Ms Baragwanath.

Download the full report and a summary: ‘That’s assault mate’: Investigation into alleged misconduct in a private prison and how it was handled

Media enquiries:

Peter Davies – Manager, Strategic Communications
Phone 0409 936 235
Email vomedia@ombudsman.vic.gov.au