The current COVID-19 outbreak within the Victorian prison system, which has spread to five prisons
across Melbourne and regional Victoria, requires urgent intervention by the Victorian Government
to prevent the crisis from worsening says Jesuit Social Services.

“Around the world, and here in Australia, we have seen how quickly COVID-19 can spread within
prison systems and the potentially catastrophic consequences this can have for the health and safety
of vulnerable people as well as staff. Prisons are crowded environments where it is extremely
challenging to adhere to the important public health measures that is effective in preventing the
spread of the virus,” says Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards.

“Generally speaking, people in prison have higher health care needs than the broader population.
Close to one third of people entering the prison system report at least one chronic physical health
condition, and the men and women who have contact with the prison system who are supported by
Jesuit Social Services every day commonly report personal histories of complex health problems.

“Additionally, we know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain greatly
overrepresented in the prison system. The health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Australians is well known, and further illustrates the complex vulnerabilities many people in the
prison system experience.

“Ultimately, prison should only be used as a last resort. Non-violent offenders should not be in
prison in the first place, they should be monitored in the community and supported to lead positive
lives.”

Ms Edwards says the Victorian Government must also safeguard the health and safety of vulnerable
people in the prison system by exiting people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,
women and people with disabilities into the community or supported accommodation. Jesuit Social
Services stands ready to assist in finding and implementing alternatives.

“The Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility, which we deliver in partnership with the
Department of Justice and Community Safety, provides safe and supported accommodation to men
exiting prison who are at high risk of homelessness. This is a great example of how people can be
provided with a secure roof over their head and support to access health services and learning and
employment pathways to ultimately provide both short and long-term benefits,” says Ms Edwards.

“The program has made a tangible, positive difference to the lives of vulnerable people. To prevent
further spread of COVID-19 in the state’s prison system, and protect health and safety of those who
have contact with the system, we must ensure at-risk people receive the support they need in
programs like this or in the broader community during this extremely challenging time.”

Media enquiries – Kathryn Kernohan, 0409 901 248 or kathryn.kernohan@jss.org.au

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