Jail taking in Goulburn inmates won't get more staff, inquest told
An inquest hears that about 100 inmates from Goulburn prison will be transferred to Junee jail, but staffing will remain the same.
Junee jail will receive inmates from Goulburn this week, but additional staff will not be hired in the near future, according to the governor of Junee jail. The inquest is investigating the death of inmate Alexander Gavranic in 2023. Coroner Lee is expected to release his findings next month. The head of the Goulburn jail stated there are no plans for more staff despite the center taking 100 more inmates from Goulburn.
The Goulburn jail will close by the end of September, with prisoners moved to Junee and another correctional center in northern NSW. Junee Correctional Centre can accommodate around 1,200 inmates, but there are no plans for further staffing increases. The facility currently has 14 correctional officers. Mental health nurse Bernadette Barton testified that the jail's staff often could not address non-urgent inquiries due to prioritizing those requiring immediate attention.
Barrister Matthew Hutchings representing Gavranic's family described the prison system as "truly a system in crisis" and emphasized the need for better mental health support pathways.
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