Tasmania Moves to Recover $1 Million After Prison Kitchen Shut Over Slippery Floor
The Tasmanian government is trying to recoup more than $1 million spent on meals after the new Risdon Prison kitchen was closed because its floor was deemed too slippery.
The brand-new $20 million kitchen at Risdon Prison was closed shortly after its April opening because the floor failed slip-resistance tests. The closure has compelled the prison to source about 3,000 meals daily from other providers, including flights from Victoria, leading to $1,035,072 in catering costs over the past two months. Corrections Minister Guy Barnett announced that builder Hansen Yunken has accepted responsibility for the flooring defect and will fix it at its own expense.
The minister added that the department will pursue the contractor for the emergency food costs, though Labor’s Corrections spokesperson Jen Butler questioned whether the money can be fully recovered. Treasurer Eric Abetz confirmed the amount spent and said local suppliers are used wherever possible. The kitchen is expected to reopen by mid-September, and an independent departmental review has been ordered to prevent similar contractor errors in the future.
Why it matters
It highlights how construction flaws can force governments to spend extra public funds and raises questions about contractor liability.
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