NSW government invests $47 million in Sydney prison expansion

The New South Wales government has announced a $47 million investment to expand prison capacity in metropolitan Sydney. The funding aims to reopen 515 beds at the Dawn de Loas Correctional Centre within Silverwater prison and accelerate the addition of 360 beds at Parklea Correctional Centre.

Government officials stated the expansion is critical to managing record numbers of people on remand in Sydney, which reached 6,398 in September, representing 46 per cent of the adult prison population. Officials attributed part of this increase to 2024 bail law changes regarding domestic violence offenders.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Nina Dillon, who argued the funds should have been directed toward Goulburn gaol. The announcement coincided with the closure of maximum security wings at Goulburn, resulting in the transfer of 170 inmates to Junee and other facilities. Mayor Dillon expressed concern that the government is neglecting regional employment and stability in favor of metropolitan infrastructure.