The Public Service Association (PSA), representing South Australian Correctional Officers, has condemned yet another violent assault in one of the state’s prisons - this time at Yatala Labour Prison - saying chronic under-resourcing, dangerously low pay, and collapsing morale have left the system at breaking point.
At around 11am this morning, a brutal attack occurred inside Yatala’s Mirnu Unit - a unit originally designed for prisoner rehabilitation programs. Nine prisoners reportedly attacked a single inmate in a sustained assault that continued even after the victim lost consciousness.
Responding officers intervened immediately and were forced to physically restrain the attackers after repeated refusals to comply. Police and SA Ambulance attended the scene, and the injured inmate was transported to hospital via priority one ambulance.
PSA General Secretary Charlotte Watson said the attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents that highlight a prison system on the brink.
“In just over a week we’ve seen two vicious assaults; one at Adelaide Women’s Prison that left a correctional officer in hospital, and now this mass attack at Yatala,” Ms Watson said.
“When prisons are chronically understaffed, officers exhausted, and morale on the floor, violence becomes inevitable. Our members are paying the price for government neglect.”
South Australian Correctional Officers are now the lowest paid in the country, starting on salaries as low as $58,000 - despite performing one of the most dangerous jobs in public service.
“You can’t run a safe prison system on poverty wages,” Ms Watson said.
“Low pay means we can’t attract or keep enough staff. That leads to fatigue, thin staffing, and dangerous conditions for everyone inside. Officers are being asked to do the impossible - and it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed.”
The PSA is demanding an urgent review of staffing models, increased funding for prison safety, and a fair wage offer that properly recognises the dangerous and complex work Correctional Officers perform.
“If the government wants safer prisons, it needs to start by valuing the people who keep them running,” Ms Watson said.
“Until that happens, violence like this will keep happening - and both officers and inmates will remain at risk.”
The PSA has reaffirmed its support for members at Yatala and Adelaide Women’s Prison and will rally outside Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis’ office this Wednesday to demand fair pay and immediate safety reforms.
“Our members’ lives are on the line every day they go to work,” Ms Watson said.
“They deserve respect, they deserve safety, and they deserve fair pay.”
Media contact: Tim Brunero 0405 285 547