Key Findings
The ombudsman's inspection report of the Brisbane Correctional Centre (BCC) found that staff mistakenly allowed prisoners charged with alleged sexual assault to remain in shared cells, violating protocols.
Cells at BCC are designed for single occupancy; prisoners are typically solo unless they request a cellmate. The facility operated at 168% of design capacity, leading to widespread double-bunking.
Incidents of Incorrect Cell Sharing
The ombudsman identified three cases where a prisoner shared a cell after being alleged to have sexually assaulted a previous cellmate.
In one case, a prisoner transferred to another centre while under investigation for sexual assault was later charged with rape. Details were added to his case notes, but the next day a cell-sharing review found no apparent risk, allowing him to share a cell.
Corrections staff said the receiving centre incorrectly assumed the matter was closed because the internal investigation had been closed after referral to police. Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) later found further instances of the same error.
Health and Safety Concerns
Staff and prisoners reported illness from undercooked chicken. Inspectors observed bloody chicken wings being served.
Cooking processes were inconsistent, with food in the centre of trays potentially undercooked.
Healthcare facilities were deemed "not fit for purpose" with extensive wait lists. QCS did not accept the recommendation to build a new medical centre, stating it regularly reviews health service capacity.