There’s growing unrest among staff at Barwon Prison with reports some aren’t keen on returning to work at the troubled Olearia Unit.
It’s been closed since late March after suspected gas leaks.
That has now been ruled out and an independent report has declared the unit safe to be re-opened.
However, the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) says some of its members are reluctant to return to the facility out of concerns for their health with a formal complaint lodged.
In a statement, the Department of Justice and Community Safety said “Corrections Victoria will consult with WorkSafe Victoria, the local health and safety representatives and the CPSU prior to staff and prisoners returning to the unit.”
The Olearia Unit is a high-security, self-contained unit within Barwon Prison.
It houses inmates who pose the greatest security and safety risks, or who need to be separated from the general prison population for their own safety.
