SA: SA prisons locked down after secuity concerns raised

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2007
SA: SA prisons locked down after secuity concerns raised

By Todd Cardy

ADELAIDE, Feb 15 AAP - South Australia's seven prisons were locked down today as prison
officers stopped work over fears that weapons could be used against them.

Inmates were refused breakfast and forced to remain in cells for the morning after
the Public Service Association (PSA) launched industrial action.

Work bans were imposed after the South Australian government refused a full search
of the Port Augusta prison, north of Adelaide.

A stash of weapons including ropes attached to metal hooks, pens and screws were found
in the prison's laundry earlier this week.

It followed the discovery of five blades of kitchen-knife-length on Australia Day last month.

PSA general secretary Jan McMahon said members yesterday declared the prison unsafe
and demanded a full search of cells and common rooms.

Ms McMahon said the government had refused the request.

"Security is always an issue in the prison system and for correctional service workers,"

Ms McMahon said.

"The safety of staff must be assured.

"It is very important that all weapons are found."

All the state's prisons were affected by the work bans, which were lifted when a resolution
was reached before 10am (CDT).

Correctional Services Department spokesman Christian Thompson said Port Augusta remained
in lockdown until the search was completed tonight.

The medium security prison houses about 280 inmates.

Mr Thompson said a security review had been launched after the January 26 discovery
of weapons and it would be completed in the next month.

State Correctional Services Minister Carmel Zollo criticised the action.

"This government is committed to ensuring a safe prison system," Ms Zollo told ABC radio.

"It is entirely irresponsible for the PSA to talk about member safety on one hand and,
at the same time, lock down the entire prison system and refuse to feed prisoners."

AAP tkc/imc/sp

KEYWORD: LOCKDOWN NIGHTLEAD

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