Latest news with #QueenslandCorrectiveServices
The Guardian
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
We asked every Australian state why ligature points in jails had not been removed. Here are their responses
Guardian Australia has this week published an investigative series revealing the shocking death toll from inaction on known hanging points in Australian prisons. The investigation found that 57 deaths have occurred using ligature points that were known to authorities but not removed, often despite stark warnings about the dangers they posed. In one case, the same hanging point was used in a Queensland prison in 10 hanging deaths across almost two decades, despite repeated calls for it to be addressed. Each state was asked why the hanging points were not removed and what it was doing to make prisons safe. Here are the responses in full: Queensland Corrective Services takes the safety and wellbeing of prisoners in custody very seriously and all deaths in custody are subject to police investigation and Coronial inquest. Several protective measures are in place to prevent prisoners from harming themselves, including comprehensive suicide risk assessment and management plans which inform where prisoners are accommodated. All frontline QCS officers undertake mandatory training in suicide prevention and QCS' Mental Health Strategy 2022-2027 is identifying people in custody or supervision with mental ill health and assessing them early, to provide them with the supports and services needed including necessary supervision, monitoring and access to medical, psychologist, and other relevant supports. In addition, QCS is always working to ensure the infrastructure in each correctional facility minimises risks for self-harm or suicide. In Queensland, 92.9% of all secure cells have a safer cell design and prisoners identified as being at risk of self-harm are placed in the most appropriate accommodation to keep them safe. This equates to 7,550 (95.7%) built beds within secure safer cells. When the new Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre comes on-line, 93.5% of Queensland secure cells will be safer cell design compliant. This will equate to 96.2% built beds within secure safer cells. Corrective Services NSW is committed to reducing all preventable deaths in custody and continually seeks to improve the design and safety of correctional centres. The NSW Government has invested $16 million to make our prisons safer by removing ligature points. This will continue the extensive work that has already been undertaken across several facilities as part of our coordinated statewide infrastructure program to refurbish cells and remove obvious ligature points or cell furniture that could pose a self-harm risk. This has included the removal of ligature points from almost 800 cells, as well as replacing cell doors, grills, beds, basins and tapware. An additional 145 cells are expected to be completed by July 2025. In addition to ligature removal and refurbishments, Corrective Services NSW has well-established policies and procedures for the care and management of inmates identified as being at risk of self-harm or suicide. The Department of Justice has been undertaking a comprehensive program of ligature minimisation in the State's prisons since 2005, noting that it is not possible to achieve the complete elimination of all ligature points. The program to increase the number of fully ligature-minimised cells across the custodial estate is ongoing, with priority given to facilities with the highest risk and need. This work is also complemented by suicide prevention programs and risk minimisation strategies. The Department is expanding the range of services provided to meet the needs of an increased prisoner population, including those with complex mental health issues. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email This includes the Casuarina Prison Stage 2 Expansion Project which will deliver critical new infrastructure to meet future demands of high-needs or at-risk prisoners and will house 36 special purpose beds in a Mental Health Support Unit with dedicated therapeutic accommodation for prisoners with psychiatric conditions. The Department also established the Clinical Workforce Committee to develop strategies to retain specialist health and mental health staff in Corrective services. The Department is continuously strengthening protocols for managing recommendations made by oversight bodies, including the Coroners Court of Western Australia. The Department is committed to addressing all supported Coronial recommendations and considers all recommendations on a case-by-case basis. If there are practical barriers to implementing proposed recommendations, the Department works with the Coroners Court to develop alternative strategies to achieve practical outcomes that address the intent of the original recommendation. Every death in custody is a tragedy for the person's family, friends and community. It is also extremely distressing for DCS staff and first responders. DCS recognises the importance of reducing risks associated with prisoner self-harm and suicide and is committed to enhancing safe accommodation at all sites. The Department has acted on Coronial recommendations to remove hanging points and over the last decade has invested about $200 million in new infrastructure and upgrades to existing infrastructure to ensure safe cell design in prisons across the state. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion New builds at the Adelaide Women's Prison and Yatala Labour Prison which are currently underway also adhere to the safe cell standard. Upgrades to aging infrastructure and cells at various sites continue to be undertaken. A range of programs have also been implemented to identify those prisoners who are at most risk, which includes targeted culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal prisoners. The Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) has adopted a risk-based approach which has resulted in the removal of many hanging points across prisons. All new builds in the TPS comply with prison infrastructure standards and are constructed to ensure no hanging points exist. All cells for managing maximum-security prisoners and those considered to be at risk of SASH are constructed to ensure that no hanging points exist. The TPS takes an individualised approach to SASH risk and the safety of prisoners at risk of SASH is driven by structured professional judgment incorporating individual assessments, which takes into account evidence-based practice, research, and a personal assessment of the individual from a multi-disciplinary approach. Prisoners who are considered at risk of SASH following assessment are housed in units of the prison where the risk of self-harm is mitigated through various measures including decisions to limit a prisoner's movements or limit their access to clothing items, footwear, cutlery, linen or other items that may be used to cause harm. This approach is consistent with various human rights principles including treating each prisoner as an individual, minimising differences between prison life and liberty and not assuming that all prisoners are at risk of SASH. Prisoners at risk of SASH are provided mental health supports and regular interventions. We know that people coming into custody can have complex mental health issues. We take these risks very seriously and ensure prisoners are provided with the support they need and are housed in appropriate accommodation. We have strong measures in place to reduce self-harm and suicide, including specialist mental health services and clinicians on-site in prisons. Staff are also trained to identify at-risk people and make referrals. The Victorian Government continues to invest in modern prison facilities to improve the rehabilitation and safety of people in custody, such as the new Western Plains Correctional Centre opening in July. The ACT Government is committed to continuous improvement to minimise harm in our correctional facilities. ACT Corrective Services has rigorous processes in place to ensure it maintains the highest standards of care for all people in custody. The Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) has a Facilities Management team, which consists of highly experienced trade professionals who are well-versed in working with Custodial Operations to identify and address obvious ligature risks as part of routine maintenance and repair activities. Where ligature risks are identified, further assessments are conducted to determine remedial action required to suitably address the risk. Work required is predominantly managed by this team and frequently funded through existing operational expenditure allocations. It is therefore difficult to determine how much has been spent on ligature point prevention and remediation. However, where ligature risks have been addressed as part of a defined project, the associated costs/funding are included below. ACT Corrective Services had been provided separate reports by the ACT Coroners Court and ACT Inspector for Custodial Services into Mr Rich's death. These reports provided important insights to help prevent harmful and tragic outcomes from being repeated. Significant work has been undertaken to address the risks identified in the reports, including: upgrades to the Management Unit's rear cell doors, which were completed in May-June 2022 and cost approximately $3,500-$4,500. the commissioning of a further review into the Management Unit's rear cell doors, which is currently underway. As outlined in the ACT Government's Response to the Coroner's report, ACTCS is committed to publishing the findings to the greatest extent possible once the review is complete. release of an updated Intervention Hoffman Knife Operating Procedure, which became effective in November 2023 and states Hoffman knives are now personally issued to correctional officers. development of an ACT Corrective Services Suicide Prevention Framework, which was released in April 2025 and guides how ACT Corrective Services staff work with clients, both in the custodial and community correctional environments, to reduce suicide and suicidal behaviours, Other work to reduce cell ligature points that has been carried out or is being planned includes, but is not limited to: upgrades to cell furniture in the Management Unit, with $3,270 spent to repair identified ligature point risks. upgrades to cell furniture across various accommodation units, including to reduce potential ligature risks. This work is scheduled to be completed by May 2026, with a total estimated project cost of $174,440. Following recommendations from the NT Coroner in 2017, works to mitigate the risk of similar incidents by removing the ceiling fans [at Darwin Correctional Centre] was completed in September 2020.
7NEWS
03-06-2025
- 7NEWS
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli demands investigation into Lauren Ingrid Flanigan's death in custody
A community is reeling after a mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter died in custody, sparking a corrective services review. A vigil to remember 'beautiful little girl' Sophia Rose near Bundaberg in southern Queensland was held before locals heard the tragic news of her mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan's death. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said 'some explanations' were needed over the Brisbane death in custody, with a review underway. Emergency services found Sophia outside a home with several stab wounds on May 26 and she died at the scene. After being charged with her daughter's murder, Flanigan was found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre on May 30. The 32-year-old had suffered a 'medical emergency' in her cell before being rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane where she died two days later on Sunday. Queensland Corrective Services on Monday said a report would be prepared for the coroner, describing it as 'standard practice for all deaths in custody'. 'Get to the bottom of it' Crisafulli said questions needed to be answered in a 'full and thorough' investigation into Flanigan's death to ensure the incident was not brushed 'under the carpet'. 'This incident proves that there are some explanations that are needed,' he said. 'We owe it to everyone involved, people who work in the facility, families of people who have tragically lost their life, to get to the bottom of it.' He said the corrective services system needed to be reviewed in the wake of Flanigan's death. 'For those who do need to be held in custody, we have a duty to provide safe facilities,' he said. 'I think it's important that we don't brush it under the carpet.' The Moore Park Beach community is grieving after coming together to celebrate Sophia on Sunday. Hundreds came dressed in pink and with sparkles, Sophia's favourite things, at the gathering organised by Bundaberg local Trish Mears. Sophia was remembered for her love of dance and a child who had an 'absolute love of life'. 'She was just a beautiful little girl who was just full of life and lit up a room when she walked into it,' Mears told AAP. Friends, family and supporters blew bubbles and wrote messages in the sand while Sophia's favourite song, 'Sky Full of Stars' by Coldplay, played. 'It was absolutely beautiful and I could certainly feel her spirit there,' Mears said. The vigil aimed to kick-start the healing process for the grieving community with many attendees who did not know each other sharing hugs and kind words, Mears said. But the news of Flanigan's death ensured Sunday ended on a 'tragic' note, she said. Mears, president of Moore Park Beach Arts Inc, said the community would also honour Sophia at their local festival in August. A GoFundMe set up for Sophia's father and siblings.
1News
02-06-2025
- 1News
Woman charged over daughter's murder dies in Brisbane hospital
A Queensland mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter has died after being found unresponsive while in custody. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, died in hospital on Sunday after being found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, Queensland Police confirmed. Flanigan suffered a medical emergency in her cell on Friday night and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. A report will be prepared for the coroner. "This is standard practice for all deaths in custody," Queensland Corrective Services said in a statement on Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Flanigan was being held until her next court appearance in July, after being charged with murder a week ago. Where to get help. (Source: 1News) Neighbours had called triple-zero after seeing a young child unresponsive in the front yard of a Moore Park Beach home, north of Bundaberg, about 4.45pm on May 26. When emergency services arrived, they found a three-year-old girl, identified as Flanigan's daughter Sophia Rose, with several wounds. She died at the scene. Two other children, aged one and two, were also at the property at the time, but neither was injured. Both are in the care of their father. A GoFundMe set up for Sophia Rose's father and siblings, has so far raised $55,000. ADVERTISEMENT Family friend Connor Thompson, who has organised the fundraiser, remembered Sophia Rose as a sweet child with an infectious laugh that could light up the room. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold," the fundraiser said. "Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever."
The Advertiser
02-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Woman charged over daughter's murder dies in hospital
A mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter has died after being found unresponsive while in custody. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, died in hospital on Sunday after being found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, Queensland Police confirmed. Flanigan suffered a medical emergency in her cell on Friday night and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. A report will be prepared for the coroner. "This is standard practice for all deaths in custody," Queensland Corrective Services said in a statement on Monday. Flanigan was being held until her next court appearance in July, after being charged with murder a week ago. Neighbours had called triple-zero after seeing a young child unresponsive in the front yard of a Moore Park Beach home, north of Bundaberg, about 4.45pm on May 26. When emergency services arrived, they found a three-year-old girl, identified as Flanigan's daughter Sophia Rose, with several wounds. She died at the scene. Two other children, aged one and two, were also at the property at the time, but neither was injured. Both are in the care of their father. A GoFundMe set up for Sophia Rose's father and siblings, has so far raised $55,000. Family friend Connor Thompson, who has organised the fundraiser, remembered Sophia Rose as a sweet child with an infectious laugh that could light up the room. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold," the fundraiser said. "Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter has died after being found unresponsive while in custody. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, died in hospital on Sunday after being found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, Queensland Police confirmed. Flanigan suffered a medical emergency in her cell on Friday night and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. A report will be prepared for the coroner. "This is standard practice for all deaths in custody," Queensland Corrective Services said in a statement on Monday. Flanigan was being held until her next court appearance in July, after being charged with murder a week ago. Neighbours had called triple-zero after seeing a young child unresponsive in the front yard of a Moore Park Beach home, north of Bundaberg, about 4.45pm on May 26. When emergency services arrived, they found a three-year-old girl, identified as Flanigan's daughter Sophia Rose, with several wounds. She died at the scene. Two other children, aged one and two, were also at the property at the time, but neither was injured. Both are in the care of their father. A GoFundMe set up for Sophia Rose's father and siblings, has so far raised $55,000. Family friend Connor Thompson, who has organised the fundraiser, remembered Sophia Rose as a sweet child with an infectious laugh that could light up the room. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold," the fundraiser said. "Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter has died after being found unresponsive while in custody. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, died in hospital on Sunday after being found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, Queensland Police confirmed. Flanigan suffered a medical emergency in her cell on Friday night and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. A report will be prepared for the coroner. "This is standard practice for all deaths in custody," Queensland Corrective Services said in a statement on Monday. Flanigan was being held until her next court appearance in July, after being charged with murder a week ago. Neighbours had called triple-zero after seeing a young child unresponsive in the front yard of a Moore Park Beach home, north of Bundaberg, about 4.45pm on May 26. When emergency services arrived, they found a three-year-old girl, identified as Flanigan's daughter Sophia Rose, with several wounds. She died at the scene. Two other children, aged one and two, were also at the property at the time, but neither was injured. Both are in the care of their father. A GoFundMe set up for Sophia Rose's father and siblings, has so far raised $55,000. Family friend Connor Thompson, who has organised the fundraiser, remembered Sophia Rose as a sweet child with an infectious laugh that could light up the room. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold," the fundraiser said. "Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter has died after being found unresponsive while in custody. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, died in hospital on Sunday after being found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, Queensland Police confirmed. Flanigan suffered a medical emergency in her cell on Friday night and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. A report will be prepared for the coroner. "This is standard practice for all deaths in custody," Queensland Corrective Services said in a statement on Monday. Flanigan was being held until her next court appearance in July, after being charged with murder a week ago. Neighbours had called triple-zero after seeing a young child unresponsive in the front yard of a Moore Park Beach home, north of Bundaberg, about 4.45pm on May 26. When emergency services arrived, they found a three-year-old girl, identified as Flanigan's daughter Sophia Rose, with several wounds. She died at the scene. Two other children, aged one and two, were also at the property at the time, but neither was injured. Both are in the care of their father. A GoFundMe set up for Sophia Rose's father and siblings, has so far raised $55,000. Family friend Connor Thompson, who has organised the fundraiser, remembered Sophia Rose as a sweet child with an infectious laugh that could light up the room. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold," the fundraiser said. "Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Perth Now
01-06-2025
- Perth Now
Mother charged with killing her toddler dies, found in cell
The Bundaberg mother accused of stabbing her three-year-old to death has died in hospital after she was found unresponsive in her prison cell. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, charged with the murder of her daughter, Sophia Rose, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being found unresponsive on Friday at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre. Flanigan died in hospital on Sunday night, just days after entering custody. Queensland Police confirmed in a statement that Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) provided immediate assistance before paramedics transported Flanigan to hospital. A report for the coroner is being prepared, and QCS will undertake an independent review into the incident, despite rigorous processes to monitor high-risk prisoners. The Courier Mail reported that Flanigan was found on the floor of her cell by correctional officers who attempted to resuscitate her. It is believed that Flanigan was in the Crisis Support Unit, a specialised unit for prisoners who are deemed high-risk. The 32-year-old mother was charged with murder after she allegedly stabbed Sophia multiple times in the front yard of their Moore Park Beach home last Monday. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan has died in hospital after being found unresponsive in her prison cell. Credit: Instagram Neighbours and emergency crews tried to save her, but Sophia could not be revived. Police confirmed that two other children, aged one and two, were present at the home during the alleged attack; however, they were not injured. Sophia's heartbroken father Jai Ruane, was working away when the horrific attack unfolded, but has now returned and is caring for his two other children, aged one and two, who were at home when the tragedy unfolded but were not injured. Jai Ruane beleived the tragedy could have been prevented. Credit: Facebook At a press conference last Tuesday, police said a blade had been recovered from the scene and the home was being forensically examined. They would not be drawn on whether there was a history of family violence or mental health issues, but said those would form part of the investigation. 'It was a horrific scene,' Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip said. 'It's a terrible terrible incident for everybody, including the witnesses and neighbours, including the emergency services, police and ambulance who attended and the investigators who are dealing with the ongoing investigation. In the days and hours before the alleged murder, Flanigan was active on social media posting about staying strong, being a 'warrior of light' and advocating for victims of domestic violence. Alongside one chilling post shared two days before the alleged murder, she wrote: 'You are ROYALTY. You are CHOSEN. You are HOLY. You are a WARRIOR OF LIGHT.' She continued: 'This is Kingdom Rising. We move. We build. We burn with holy fire. No more delays. No more compromise. Tag your generals. It's time to RISE.' Flanigan was transferred to Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre last week and was due to appear in court over Sophia's murder in July.
