New Port Augusta Prison unit had barrier gaps prisoners could fit through
A new section of Port Augusta Prison had to be fixed before it could open after it was discovered barriers had been constructed at a width prisoners could slip through.
The Blue Bush Unit at the prison was due to receive its first high-security prisoners from Yatala Labour Prison in March, but staff raised safety concerns prior to its opening.
The department ultimately agreed to fix the barriers after the Public Service Association (PSA) launched a case in the SA Employment Tribunal.
PSA general secretary Natasha Brown said the issue involved a window barrier separating staff and prisoners.
"Effectively what it was was a window to the officers' station that contained gaps which were large enough for a prisoner to be able to squeeze through," she said.
"
So that would have potentially allowed prisoners unauthorised access into what should have been a secure staff area, posing some very serious safety concerns for our members.
"
A problem involving barriers at a new Port Augusta prison unit has been resolved.
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Reuters: Jorge Adorno, file photo
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According to the union, workers requested that prison management acknowledge the hazard — but an email to all staff stated that the Department for Correctional Services (DCS) "don't agree that the issue identified poses an imminent risk of serious harm to staff by the meaning of the WHS legislation".
After the case was launched with the tribunal, the department committed it would not open the unit until the gaps were secure. The work is now complete.
Ms Brown said it was "shocking" that the department designed and installed the barrier without realising the safety implications.
"But what's even more shocking is that after the risk had been identified to them, the department continued to push for the unit to be opened without fixing it first,"
she said.
PSA general secretary Natasha Brown says the design flaw could have seen prisoners accessing a secure staff area.
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Supplied: Public Service Association of South Australia
)
She said the design flaw could have had "disastrous consequences".
"Prisons are dangerous environments at the best of times," she said.
"That's why it's so critical that the department is doing everything possible to reduce any potential risks and provide the safety environment and the safest systems possible."
In a statement, a DCS spokesperson said: "The Department worked collaboratively with WHS representatives and the matter was resolved two days after being lodged which allowed Bluebush to reopen on 28 March 2025."
"The Bluebush redevelopment represents a substantial investment by the State Government to significantly improve the safety and amenity of the unit for staff and prisoners."
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