Goulburn Mayor disputes prison wing closures and visit ban

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Nina Dillon expressed disappointment following a meeting with Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong regarding the closure of four maximum security wings at Goulburn Correctional Centre.

Minister Chanthivong stated that the closed wings would not be used to accommodate inmates because they were not ‘fit for purpose.’ He noted that developing plans for the wings is ‘complicated’ as they are located within an active prison. The Minister defended the decision by stating that facilities should be located near where the highest number of prisons are situated.

Mayor Dillon also raised concerns regarding a last-minute ban on her attendance at a family day at the correctional centre on October 9. Although she had been invited by prison officers and the Public Service Association, Corrective Services prohibited her visit. The Minister reportedly stated he did not want the gathering to become a ‘political event.’