A union representing correctional officers have warned that Tasmania’s Risdon Prison is ‘a powder keg waiting to explode’ following increasing prisoner unrest culminating in a fire on Wednesday night.
Prisoners Legal Service chairman Greg Barns says the overcrowded environment of the prison coupled with COVID-related visitation restrictions and lockdowns are likely behind the incident.
The Liberal government has proposed a new northern prison near Westbury, but community members and former politicians have called for the plans to be ditched in favour of preventive and rehabilitative services.