CANNABIS PLANTS GROWING IN AUSTRALIAN PRISON PROMPTS CALLS FOR EXPLANATION

The Victorian Minister for Corrections is asking for an explanation from the operators of a Gippsland corrections facility, after 28 cannabis plants were found growing in the centre

ABC Gippsland | August 11, 2016

Victoria Police seized the plants from the centre on Wednesday after they were discovered growing underneath other plants in the centre's vegetable patch.

Minister for Corrections Steve Herbert said he wanted to know how the plants could have been grown in the centre, and has asked for a "please explain" from GEO Group Australia, operators of the privately-run facility.

"They've been asked to explain how this occurred within their prison [and] we will then determine whether or not they have met the standards to operate that prison.

It is the latest in a series of blunders at the centre.

In April, two inmates were recaptured after escaping and earlier this year, a juvenile brown snake was discovered in a moving box during a routine cell check.

Victoria's corrections commissioner Jan Shuard said they has requested a report from GEO about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"This prison is a big prison; it's been operating for nearly 19 years [and] operates with around 940 odd prisoners," Ms Shuard said.

"Maintaining a safe environment for prisoners, and the security of the prison, is what the contractor is required to do.

"They have more than 800 prisoners in that prison and from time to time, despite the best security procedures, the best searching procedures, prisoners are able to get things into prison."

Opposition wants further explanation

The State Opposition said there needed to be clear benchmarks set for both public and privately-run prisons across the state.

Shadow Corrections Minister Edward O'Donahue said the latest incident was an indicator of a bigger problem.

"This is just one of many incidents across the corrections system that have come to light in recent weeks and months," he said.

"There are some very concerning reports about what's happening right across the corrections system, both private and public."

Mr O'Donahue called on the Victorian Government to explain how the breach in security occurred.

"Ultimately, whether the prison is run by a private company or the state itself, they are reportable to the Minister, and accountable to the Minister," he said.