Lexi Webster
Australian television drama Wentworth is set in a women's correctional centre and is a remake of the cult hit Prisoner Cell Block H. The show is not filmed in a real prison, but in a warehouse in Melbourne. The show has sparked conversations about the conditions of Australian prisons and the treatment of female prisoners. While the show is fictional, there are some similarities between Australian prisons and those depicted in Wentworth, such as the presence of drugs and violence. However, some aspects of the show, such as the privileges given to prisoners, are exaggerated for dramatic effect.
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What You'll Learn
- Australian prisons have higher standards than US prisons
- Australian prisons are divided into prisons, correctional centres, and rehabilitation facilities
- Australian prisons allow conjugal visits and children to stay with their mothers
- Australian prisons have issues with drug abuse and violence
- Australian prison food is often malnourishing or insufficient
Australian prisons have higher standards than US prisons
Female inmates in Australia's biggest women's prison, Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre in Sydney, have revealed what life is like behind bars. Inmates have reported that drugs and alcohol are easily accessible, and fights are common. One inmate, a mother of two children under the age of 16, recounted a time when she got into a violent fight with another woman. It is estimated that 19.8 percent of women in the prison are there for drug-related offenses, and correctional officers have admitted that drugs are a significant problem within the facility.
Australian prisons have been described as having inadequate and malnourishing food. Convicts and even those awaiting sentencing have reported receiving soggy sandwiches, cold meals, and tiny portions. In the 1970s, several riots broke out in the Bathurst Correctional Centre, then known as Bathurst Gaol, due in part to the poor quality of the food. Female inmates are less likely to riot or engage in violent scuffles, which reduces the need for stringent security measures.
Some Australian prisons allow women to live with their children or spend holidays with them. For example, Emu Plains Correctional Centre has a Mothers and Children's Program that permits children up to twelve years old to live with their mothers at a nursery called Jacaranda Cottages. However, women's prisons are still subject to the same visitation rules, labour requirements, and security measures as other prisons. Overall, while Australian prisons may have higher standards than their US counterparts, they still face significant challenges, including drug abuse, violence, and poor living conditions.
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Australian prisons are divided into prisons, correctional centres, and rehabilitation facilities
There are over 180 rehabilitation centres, youth correctional centres, and prisons in Australia. Prisons and correctional facilities in Western Australia are managed by the Department of Justice through public and private operators, while those in Victoria are managed by Corrections Victoria. There are separate women's facilities in Australia, such as the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Emu Plains Correctional Centre, and Dillwynia Correctional Centre. These facilities reduce the risk of sexual abuse that comes with mixing male and female prisoners and acknowledge the different behaviours exhibited by female inmates compared to male inmates. For example, women are less likely to riot or start violent scuffles, which reduces the need for security.
Australian prisons are said to be nicer than those in the US. A show called 'Lockdown Oz: Maximum Security' is said to showcase some of the differences between an Australian maximum-security men's prison and an American prison. The show 'Wentworth' is also said to portray Australian prisons, although it is understood that the show adds in more privileges to create drama. For example, the show depicts prisoners receiving conjugal visits, keeping their children with them in prison, having access to real silverware, going outside on grass instead of a cement box for recreation time, and having access to fresh vegetables, cigarettes, and real coffee and tea.
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Australian prisons allow conjugal visits and children to stay with their mothers
Australian prisons vary in their facilities and conditions, and some are more similar to those depicted in the TV series 'Wentworth' than others. For example, one source notes that while smoking is completely banned on government property in Australia, the show depicts smoking being banned, reflecting reality.
In terms of conjugal visits, these are permitted in some Australian states and territories but not in others. In the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria, conjugal visits are allowed, but in Western Australia and Queensland, they are not. In Victoria, prisoners are allowed conjugal visits as a conjugal right, subject to certain rules and conditions. For example, in a regular, supervised prison visit, a prisoner and visitor may be allowed some contact, such as hugging, but a screen separates them during a non-contact box visit. In addition, Section 37 and Section 38 Corrections Act 1986 (Vic) allow a prisoner a conjugal visit from a partner or spouse, but touching is not allowed unless part of a contract or residential visiting programme.
There are several arguments against conjugal visits in Australian prisons, including the deprivation of intimacy as part of the punishment for the crime committed, the strain on the prison system in terms of resources, money and time, safety concerns, and the sense of unfairness if some inmates receive conjugal visits while others do not.
Regarding children staying with their mothers in prison, one source mentions that three out of four women interviewed at Australia's biggest women's prison, Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre in Sydney, were mothers, and statistics from the NSW Corrections show that around 60% of women in prison have dependent children under the age of 16. However, it is unclear whether these children were allowed to stay with their mothers in prison or were separated. Therefore, while it is possible that some Australian prisons may allow children to stay with their mothers, this is not definitively confirmed, and the specific regulations and conditions may vary across different prisons and states.
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Australian prisons have issues with drug abuse and violence
Australian prisons have long been a subject of fascination in popular culture, with TV shows like ''Wentworth' and 'Orange is the New Black' offering a glimpse into life behind bars. While these shows may exaggerate certain privileges and drama for entertainment purposes, they do touch on some real issues within the Australian prison system, such as drug abuse and violence.
Drug abuse is prevalent in Australian prisons, with inmates finding it relatively easy to access illicit substances. Inmates have reported that around 95% of the prison population uses drugs, with cannabis and methamphetamines/amphetamines being the most common. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 73% of prison entrants reported using illicit drugs in the previous 12 months, compared to 18% of those not incarcerated. This is particularly concerning given the impact of drug abuse on the physical and mental health of prisoners, many of whom already struggle with mental health disorders and social exclusion.
The issue of drug abuse in prisons is further exacerbated by the challenge of providing continuous treatment and care. Prisons are often over capacity, and treatment options vary across states and territories. Inconsistent access to treatment can lead to issues such as withdrawal and mental health instability, increasing the risk of re-offending. In fact, around 42% of people released from prison will reoffend and be reimprisoned within six months, with a higher rate among those with a history of substance dependence.
Violence is also a concern in Australian prisons. Inmate interviews have revealed the prevalence of fights and violent incidents within the prison walls. For example, one inmate described severely beating another woman for allegedly lying to officers, resulting in serious injuries. Such incidents underscore the volatile nature of prison life and the potential for conflict to escalate quickly.
While 'Wentworth' may exaggerate certain aspects of prison life for dramatic effect, it does reflect some of the challenges facing the Australian prison system. Drug abuse and violence are real issues that require attention and effective interventions to improve the health and safety of both inmates and correctional officers. Addressing these issues is crucial for reducing harm, promoting rehabilitation, and breaking the cycle of recidivism.
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Australian prison food is often malnourishing or insufficient
Australian prisons are often depicted in television shows like Wentworth and Orange is the New Black. However, the reality of prison life in Australia is quite different from what is portrayed on screen. While the shows may exaggerate certain privileges for dramatic effect, they also draw attention to important issues within the prison system, including drug abuse and violence.
Prison food in Australia has been a topic of discussion among inmates, with varying opinions on its quality and nutritional value. Inmates have expressed concerns about the lack of choice and the insufficient provision of certain items, such as milk. Some have also complained about the overall food quality, indicating that it may not always meet their nutritional needs or expectations.
A study titled "Eating Inside: food service experiences in three Australian prisons" explored the food service experiences of 35 inmates across three Australian prisons. The study identified 16 key themes of concern, including complaints about food quality, lack of variety, and insufficient milk provision. While the menus in these prisons generally offered a varied selection of foods that met nutritional requirements and dietary guidelines, the assumption was that all the food provided was consumed.
In addition to concerns about the quantity and quality of prison food, there are also food safety risks associated with inmate food handling practices. These practices may pose unacceptable risks, potentially impacting the health and well-being of inmates. It is important to address these issues to ensure that inmates have access to safe and nutritious meals during their incarceration.
Overall, while Australian prison food generally aims to meet nutritional requirements, there are concerns about insufficient quantities, poor quality, and unsafe handling practices. These issues highlight the need for continuous improvement in prison food services to ensure the well-being of inmates and provide them with access to adequate and nutritious meals during their time in the correctional system.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the show is not filmed in a real prison. The original Wentworth Detention Centre was shot outside a studio in Melbourne, with bars added to the windows. Later, the set was changed to a warehouse.
Some of the privileges that prisoners in Wentworth have include conjugal visits, being able to keep their children with them, access to real silverware, fresh vegetables, cigarettes, TVs in their cells, and gym equipment.
Imprisonment in Australia is divided between prisons, correctional centres, and rehabilitation facilities. There are about 2,600 women in prison in Australia, and around 60% of them are mothers. Australian prison food has been described as malnourishing and insufficient, with reports of soggy sandwiches, cold meals, and tiny portions. Drugs are also a major problem in Australian prisons.
