Extra 1,000 prison beds announced in NSW as union warns against arresting ‘our way out of domestic violence’
Summary
The New South Wales government will reopen part of Sydney’s Silverwater prison and add nearly 1,000 new beds by early 2027 to reduce overcrowding from more people held on remand due to stricter domestic violence bail laws. The prison officers’ union says more prison beds alone won’t solve domestic violence and calls for better support and rehabilitation.Key Facts
- NSW government will spend $47.1 million to reopen the 515-bed Dawn de Loas correctional centre at Silverwater.
- Another 360 beds will be added at Parklea correctional centre, raising total capacity by about 1,000 beds.
- The increase responds to a rise in prisoners held awaiting trial, mainly from tighter bail rules for domestic violence cases.
- About 46% of NSW’s adult prison population (6,398 people) are currently on remand.
- The premier, Chris Minns, said extra prison beds are needed to keep the public safe and that not arresting people for violent domestic violence offences won’t solve the problem.
- The Public Service Association union argues that prisons alone can’t prevent domestic violence and calls for more domestic violence services, diversion programs, and dedicated courts.
- The Dawn de Loas centre closed in 2022 due to lower prisoner numbers and staff shortages but will reopen in early 2027 with about 150 new staff hired.
- The government will take back management of Parklea correctional centre from private operators to add more beds.
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