Macquarie and Hunter Correctional Centres

Background

Macquarie and Hunter Correctional Centres are unique in NSW for their dormitory-style accommodation. They are also known as the ‘Rapid Build’ prisons due to the speed of their construction.  This was our first inspection of each centre.

Where we inspected

We inspected Macquarie and Hunter Correctional Centres. Both centres have an almost identical layout. The inmate accommodation is divided into four blocks (A-block, B-block, C-block and D-block) and each block is split into four dormitories, each of which can hold up to 25 inmates. Each centre can hold up to 400 inmates.

Recommendations

The Inspector made 33 recommendations. These include systemic and facility specific improvements in:

• Conditions and treatment of inmates
• Programs, education and employment
• The provision of and access to health services
• Access to legal representatives
• Family contact

Report

The Macquarie and Hunter Correctional Centres Report was tabled in NSW Parliament and published in November 2020.

Macquarie and Hunter Correctional Centres Report (PDF , 2.4 MB)

Media release