24516 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

24516 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: What changes, if any, have been made to prisoner unlock hours since 1 January 2024, broken down by prison site, unit where applicable, date of change, previous unlock hours, and current unlock hours?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that unlock hours differ between units and prisons due to the different operations, staffing levels, security classifications and programmes provided at each site. Staff must assess and manage a range of operational requirements on a daily basis relating to prisoners that can be unlocked together, including whether they are remand or sentenced prisoners, whether they are segregated or mainstream, their security classification and other dynamic issues such as gang tension and the association of co-offenders. I am further advised that since January 2024, all units have between eight and 12 hours available each day to unlock prisoners. In units which require prisoners to be unlocked in smaller groups to ensure the safety and security of themselves, staff and other prisoners, the amount of time provided to each group may be less to allow for all prisoners to be unlocked each day. As unlock hours vary day to day due to the reasons noted above, there is no ability to provide the information in the way the member has requested.