Men accused of raping their cellmates were mistakenly allowed to remain in shared cells by Queensland prison staff who violated strict protocols, according to a report by the state's ombudsman. The inspection of the Brisbane Correctional Centre revealed that corrections officers wrongly believed the sexual assault cases were 'closed' and that the accused posed no risk.
Overcrowding and Unsafe Conditions
The ombudsman's report highlighted severe overcrowding at the facility, which was operating at 168% of its design capacity. Cells designed for single occupancy were often shared, leading to dangerous situations. The inspection found instances where vulnerable prisoners or those who had previously experienced sexual assault by a cellmate were forced to share cells.
Specific Incidents of Misjudgment
The report identified three incidents where a prisoner shared a cell after being alleged to have sexually assaulted their cellmate. In one case, a prisoner was transferred to another correctional centre while under investigation. He was later charged with rape, and the charge was noted in his file. However, the next day, staff added a cell-sharing review concluding there were no risks. Corrections staff admitted they had incorrectly assumed the internal investigation was closed when it was merely referred to police.
Health and Safety Concerns
The inspection also raised concerns about health facilities and food safety. Staff and prisoners reported falling ill after eating undercooked chicken. Inspectors observed visibly bloody chicken wings being served, and noted inconsistent cooking processes. Healthcare facilities were deemed 'not fit for purpose,' with extensive waitlists for treatment. The ombudsman recommended building a new medical centre, but Queensland Corrective Services rejected the proposal.
The report underscores systemic failures in documenting and responding to sexual assault allegations, as well as broader issues of overcrowding and inadequate resources in Queensland prisons.
