Lexi Webster
Prisons in Australia differ from those depicted in American movies, where inmates are often shown confined in bare concrete cells with metal bars, or in large dorms with bunk beds. In Australia, inmates wear green, not orange, and most look like average individuals one would meet outside prison. Prisons in Australia also have clinics with nurses, and doctors and therapists can be booked in advance. Australian prisons offer various programs and structured days for prisoners, including work, education, training, and leisure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inmate clothing colour | Green |
| Inmate demographics | Varied ages, including inmates in their 50s, 60s, and 70s |
| Cell types | Concrete cells with metal bars, large dorms with bunk beds, and spacious cells with toilets and basins |
| Prison facilities | Clinic with nurses, teaching rooms, workshops for skills training, indoor recreation space, visitor centre, and play area for children |
| Prison security | Metal detectors, drug detection dogs, searches of visitors and their vehicles, and strict contraband trafficking penalties |
| Prison incidents | Fights, fires, contraband discovery, self-harm attempts, and weapon possession |
| Prisoner daily activities | Work, education, training, leisure, and access to additional food, toiletries, and mail |
| Prisoner health | Access to medication, doctors, dentists, and therapists, with varying wait times |
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What You'll Learn
Prison cells and living conditions vary across jails
Inmates in Australian prisons wear green, and most people do not fit the stereotypical image of a "criminal." The age range is quite varied, with a concentration around 30-40 years old, but with inmates in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s as well.
Each prison has a clinic with nurses, and doctors and therapists can be booked in advance. Basic meals are provided, and inmates can also buy additional food and other items through a "buy-up" system using money earned from prison jobs or deposited by family. Television, data, and power points are available in every cell in some prisons.
Prison life can be challenging, with incidents such as fights, fires, contraband discovery, and urgent interventions to prevent self-harm occurring regularly. Correctional officers play a crucial role in maintaining security and supporting the rehabilitation of offenders.
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Inmates wear green, not orange
Australian prisons are quite different from what is often depicted in American movies. Inmates in Australia wear green, not orange, and many of them resemble the average person one might meet outside prison. The age range is quite varied, with a concentration around 30-40 years old, but there are also inmates in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s.
The choice of green uniforms for prisoners may be due to its association with calmness, which could help reduce tensions within the prison environment. Additionally, green fabric dye is speculated to be fade-proof, allowing for constant wash and wear. Another theory suggests that the colour green is chosen because it stands out in prison, making it easy to distinguish inmates from staff and visitors.
The living conditions in Australian prisons can vary greatly depending on the specific jail. Some prisons have open spaces and comfortable indoor recreation areas. They may also offer various programs and workshops to teach inmates skills like cabinetry, baking, mechanics, and food preparation. However, overcrowding can be an issue in some prisons, with multiple inmates sharing cells designed for one person.
While the prison environment can be challenging, inmates have access to medical services, including nurses, doctors, and therapists. Sexual assault and guard brutality are not prevalent in Australian jails, according to one source. Overall, the experience of incarceration in Australia appears to differ significantly from the stereotypes often portrayed in popular culture.
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Healthcare and medication access
Healthcare is a significant concern for incarcerated individuals in Australia, who have significantly more complex physical and mental healthcare needs than the general population. They have substantially higher rates of both diagnosed and undiagnosed conditions. Despite their greater healthcare needs, prisoners have significantly less access to healthcare than the general Australian population. There are no national standards for healthcare in Australian prisons.
Prisoners in Australia are not covered by Medicare, the universal healthcare system, or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which provides access to medicines at a lower cost for Australian residents. This exclusion contributes to the lack of healthcare in prisons as many cannot afford certain services and medications without Medicare or PBS rebates. In some cases, there are no non-Medicare equivalents of services available. However, prisoners do not technically lose their Medicare eligibility and can access benefits while on day release or parole.
Prisoners in Victoria have the right to access reasonable medical care and treatment necessary for the preservation of health. They are entitled to phone calls, meetings, and video conferences with medical professionals. On entry to prison, a physical and mental health assessment is conducted so that health staff are aware of the prisoner's health and medication needs. A prisoner's physical and mental wellbeing is reviewed by health staff each time they move between prisons. Qualified doctors, nurses, mental health nurses, and other allied health professionals provide on-site healthcare in every prison. The range of health services is accessible to prisoners with disabilities, along with specialized services to support prisoners with cognitive impairments, sensory and physical disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. If a prisoner has a health issue that cannot be treated at their prison, they may be transferred to another prison where those services are available.
Prisoners do not have access to over-the-counter medications and are required to see nurses to obtain basic items such as bandages, skin creams, and paracetamol. Medications dispensed to people in prison are not covered, except for those that fall under Schedule 100 of the PBS, known as the Highly Specialised Drugs Program. The stability of the prison environment may provide opportunities for people to reflect on and seek treatment for their health concerns. However, prisoners have no choice over when they can access medical services, face restricted choices of healthcare providers, and experience longer wait times.
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Prison violence and contraband
Australian prison architecture has evolved from imposing Gothic structures designed to inflict physical and psychological punishment on inmates to modern facilities that prioritise inmate welfare and future reintegration. This evolution is reflected in the country's approach to prison design, which now emphasises safe cell design and trauma-informed environments.
However, despite these advancements, prison violence and contraband remain significant issues within the Australian prison system. Prisons are inherently dangerous places due to the concentration of individuals who have demonstrated a capacity for violence and antisocial behaviour. The stress and frustration of incarceration can further exacerbate aggressive tendencies, leading to violent incidents among inmates.
Contraband, such as drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items, exacerbates the problem of prison violence. The presence of contraband can fuel power struggles, gang activity, and extortion within the prison, leading to violent confrontations. Inmates will go to great lengths to obtain contraband, as it can provide them with a sense of power, comfort, or a means of escape from the harsh realities of prison life.
Prison staff play a critical role in intercepting contraband before it enters the prison system. At the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre in New South Wales, officers discovered almost 300 buprenorphine strips, a prescription drug used to treat opioid use disorder, hidden inside the soles of an inmate's sneakers. This incident highlights the ingenuity and determination of smugglers, who constantly devise more inventive methods to circumvent security measures.
To combat the influx of contraband, prison authorities employ various strategies, including the use of X-ray machines and stringent search procedures. The suspension of personal visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, while necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, inadvertently disrupted a primary route for contraband to enter prisons, forcing smugglers to adapt their methods.
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Visitation rules and regulations
In Australia, prisoners are encouraged to maintain strong family and friendship bonds while serving their sentence. Visitation rules and regulations vary across the country, with some states permitting conjugal visits and others not.
Booking a Visit
Prisoners book domestic visits via self-service kiosks. Each prison has its own visiting times and rules, which can change, so it is important to check the prison's website before a visit. Visitors must provide multiple forms of identification, including photo ID. Prisons may also implement other security methods. Visitors should not bring banned or prohibited items into the prison, and they should be aware that bringing property will slow down the admission process. It is best to send items to prisoners by post. Visitors are not allowed to wear clothing with offensive slogans, gang-related symbols, or revealing clothing.
Visitor Approval
Prisoners need to have a list of approved visitors, which can include an unlimited number of people. The list must include the visitor's full name, address, date of birth, and their relationship with the prisoner. Visitors cannot have been in prison within the last 12 months, and known members or associates of criminal organizations will not be allowed access. If a prisoner wishes to have a friend or family member visit, they must ask them by writing a letter or making a phone call. The prisoner cannot make the booking arrangements. Visitors should be aware that intervention orders may prevent some visits, and visits cannot take place during a lockdown.
Child Visits
Children are generally allowed to visit prisoners, but a visit may need approval if a court order bans contact with children. A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18, and infants do not need ID. If a prisoner has committed a child sexual offense, visits will need approval from the DCS Chief Executive. Visits can be arranged with a carer or family member to bring children and babies.
Professional Visits
Professional visitors include legal practitioners, psychologists, chaplains, police, volunteers, and support groups. Each prison has clearly defined processes for undertaking professional visits. Legal practitioners must be registered and provide evidence of their status.
Conjugal Visits
In Australia, conjugal visits are permitted in the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. Other states, such as Western Australia and Queensland, do not permit conjugal visits. Conjugal visits are typically permitted to preserve family bonds and increase the chances of a successful return to ordinary life for prisoners. They also incentivize inmates to comply with prison rules. These visits usually take place in designated rooms or structures and can last for several hours or days. Supplies such as soap, condoms, and bed linens may be provided.
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Frequently asked questions
In Australia, inmates wear green, not orange.
The living conditions vary depending on the jail. Some cells resemble those seen in prison movies, with bare concrete and metal bars. However, others have TVs, data, and power points.
The age range of inmates is quite spread out, with a concentration around 30-40 years old, but there are also inmates in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s. During a visit to a women's prison in Western Australia in the early 1970s, it was observed that 99% of the women were of Aboriginal descent.
