Queensland proposal to waive prisoners' rights sparks prison staff fears of overcrowding and deaths

A proposed Queensland bill would strip correctional officers of the duty to consider prisoners' human rights, effectively barring complaints to the Queensland Human Rights Commission. Prison staff interviewed expressed alarm that the change could lead to triple-bunking, heightened assaults on officers and deaths in custody, especially as cells are already used for up to 20 hours a day and dental appointments can take months.

The union Together Queensland warned that the influx of inmates expected under new breach-bail laws would make triple-bunking inevitable. Former officer Trent described the impossibility of monitoring three prisoners through a small window, suggesting a "one hundred per cent" chance of a death. Victims' advocate Brett Thompson highlighted that victims' rights are being sidelined, while the Bar Association raised community-safety concerns. Queensland Corrective Services said it is adding beds and staff, and the Corrections Minister Laura Gerber affirmed the government will always place victims' rights ahead of offenders'.