Violence has surged at Yatala Labour Prison in Adelaide, with a brutal attack involving a makeshift weapon reported, marking the third assault in just five days. The Prison Guards Union has confirmed that an inmate is currently hospitalised at the Royal Adelaide Hospital due to severe injuries.
The recent spate of violence has alarmed prison staff, prompting calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of both inmates and personnel. Previous assaults this week also indicated serious consequences; one incident involved a prisoner being retrieved with a punctured lung, sustained from an attack using a shiv, or improvised knife.
The union has highlighted that all three recent attacks were weapon-related, leading to intensified searches that uncovered a significant quantity of drugs and contraband within the facility. The increase in violence has raised serious concerns among staff members, with Austin White from the Public Service Association acknowledging a dramatic rise in assaults—up two and a half times since 2019. He expressed that staff are worried not just for their own safety, but also for that of the inmates, given the alarming trend of increased aggression.
Furthermore, the situation is not unique to Yatala; the state has recorded a staggering 481 assaults on both prisoners and staff over the past year. There is growing apprehension that if the current conditions persist, the frequency and severity of these incidents are likely to escalate even further.
In response to the troubling situation, the Corrections Department stated that the most recent incident does not reflect a lack of resources. They have committed to discussions with the union to address the concerns raised. However, the urgent need for enhanced security measures and additional staffing has become a focal point in discussions about improving safety within the prison system.