Current Work

New Risdon Prison Kitchen

The New Risdon Prison Kitchen reached practical completion in December 2025 and is currently within the defects liability period.

Earlier this year, an issue was identified with the slip resistance of the epoxy flooring within the facility. Kitchen operations were temporarily suspended to allow rectification works to be undertaken.

The rectification works have now been completed, and operations are transitioning back to the new facility with meal preparation resuming in the kitchen from the week commencing 19 October 2026.

The new kitchen replaces the previous facility within the Ron Barwick Prison, which had been in operation for more than 60 years. The upgraded facility has been designed to provide a contemporary, fit-for-purpose kitchen, bakery and training environment that improves operational efficiency, safety and functionality.

Key features of the new facility include:

• Improved operational flow to support efficient meal production.
• Modern commercial kitchen equipment designed to enhance workplace safety and reduce manual handling risks.
• A larger meal preparation area and bakery facilities.
• Dedicated training spaces to support vocational education and skills development.
• Capacity to produce up to 1,000 meals per day for inmates across the Tasmanian prison system.

Beyond its operational benefits, the new kitchen plays a vital role in prisoner rehabilitation. It will provide up to 50 employment positions for minimum-security male prisoners, with flexibility to expand to other cohorts in the future. These roles offer prisoners the chance to gain practical skills, recent work experience, and trade training which are key factors in preparing for work release and successful reintegration into the community.

Stable employment opportunities such as these deliver tangible benefits for prisoners who have completed intervention programs, creating a safe environment to practise learned skills and build confidence for life beyond custody.

New Maximum Security Unit (Correa Unit)

The Government has committed funding to deliver a new maximum-security unit on the Risdon Prison site. The Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation has approved the naming of the new Maximum Security Unit as the Correa Unit.

The new Correa Unit is a dedicated programs unit designed to support the management, rehabilitation and reintegration of the highest classification prisoners within the TPS. The new facility will help improve operational flexibility, help address accommodation pressures and provide a contemporary environment that supports both security and rehabilitation outcomes.

Importantly, the facility will enhance the TPS's capacity to deliver rehabilitation and reintegration programs through expanded activity, education and training spaces. These purpose designed areas will provide greater opportunities for prisoners to engage in programs that support personal development, skill building and successful reintegration into the community.

The Department of Justice appointed Xsquared Architects to lead the design of the project.  Since commencing work in October 2024, Xsquared has worked closely with the Strategic Infrastructure Projects Team and key stakeholders to develop a design that reflects contemporary correctional facility standards and supports the operational requirements of the TPS.

Subject to all relevant project approvals, it is anticipated that construction on the Correa Unit and associated facilities will commence in 2027 and be completed by mid-2028, noting there will be complex construction challenges associated with building in an operational prison environment.

As part of the broader Correa Unit program of works, a Request for Tender (RFT) was released in September with a closing date of 21 October 2026 for the design and construction of new staff accommodation facilities at the Risdon Prison site.  The new building will accommodate teams including Intervention and Reintegration Services (IRS), providing contemporary facilities that support staff and the effective delivery of services.

Electronic Security Systems Upgrade Program

The Tasmanian Government is investing in significant upgrades to electronic security systems at the Risdon Prison Complex, replacing ageing infrastructure with contemporary technology that aligns with current industry standards and best practice.

The Program includes the upgrades to a range of electronic security systems across the site, as well as enhancements to the Mobile Radio Communications System and Mobile Duress Alarm System.

These important upgrades will enhance the existing security systems as well as improve the safety of the prison environment which will benefit staff, prisoners, visitors and other people who access the site.

In June 2025 the Department of Justice appointed BSH Electrical Pty Ltd as the principal contractor responsible for the supply, installation and ongoing maintenance of the upgraded security systems.

BSH have extensive experience in security system installation and configuration and have been involved in a variety of current and past maintenance and upgrade programs for a number of the State’s correctional facilities.

BSH and Hansen Yuncken have now commenced works on site. The Program is expected to be completed by mid-2027 and will provide the Tasmania Prison Service with modern, reliable and fit-for-purpose security technology to support its operations into the future.

Risdon Prison – Critical Infrastructure Maintenance Upgrades

The Tasmanian Government is investing in critical infrastructure upgrades and equipment replacement across the Risdon Prison Complex to support the ongoing operation of essential facilities and services.

The Critical Infrastructure Maintenance Program funding enables the Department to replace some of the ageing plant and equipment that has reached the end of its operational life and, in some cases, extend the life of an asset through targeted upgrades and component replacement.

These works help ensure the prison’s infrastructure remains safe, and fit for purpose, supporting the delivery of correctional services and improving the resilience of the facilities for the future.

Some of the works completed to date include:

• security software upgrades
• lighting replacement
• mechanical upgrades
• toilet upgrades
• hot water system upgrades
• fire panel upgrades
• energised fence component upgrades
• roller door and motor replacement
• UPS battery replacement
• upgrades to split system heat pumps
• replacement of the fascia and gutter on the Hartz Unit in the MHWP
• replacement of fire indicator panels.

Planning is also underway for significant upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the site's Building Management System (BMS).  The new Building Management System will provide enhanced monitoring and control capabilities to support the effective management of building services across the site.  Design development is currently progressing, with procurement activities anticipated to commence following completion of the design phase.

The replacement and upgrade of critical plant and equipment is also important in terms of the procurement of a longer-term maintenance contract. The Department released a tender for the new longer term maintenance contract and is expected to appoint the successful contractor by the end of the year.

Drain and Car Park Upgrades

Planning and design activities are progressing for Drain Rectification and the Risdon Car Park Upgrade project.

The project will improve drainage infrastructure and address long-term stormwater management requirements within the area, while also delivering upgrades to the existing staff car park. The proposed works include the construction of additional parking spaces, improved lighting, and CCTV infrastructure to enhance safety, security and functionality for staff.

Detailed design work has been completed and the project is expected to proceed to market for construction tenders in October 2026.

Ron Barwick Prison Shower Upgrades

The Department of Justice is progressing upgrades to shower facilities within the Ron Barwick Prison to improve safety, reliability and functionality.

The project will replace ageing portable shower units in several accommodation divisions with contemporary, permanent shower facilities, providing a more durable and fit-for-purpose solution.

To support delivery of the project, the Department of Justice released a Request for Tender (RFT) on 3 October 2026 seeking a suitably qualified contractor to undertake the upgrade works. The tender closes on 17 November 2026, with construction expected to commence in early 2027.

Strategic Asset Management Plan

Development of the Department of Justice's Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) is a key initiative under the Department's Strategic Plan 2022–27.

The SAMP will establish a long-term approach to managing the Department's asset portfolio and provide a strategic framework for asset-related decision making across the asset lifecycle. This will help ensure the Department's assets continue to support the delivery of justice services and provide value to the Tasmanian community.

During the reporting period, work progressed on a range of strategic asset management initiatives, including the implementation of the Department's new Asset Management Information System (AMIS) and the completion of a Department-level Asset Management Maturity Assessment. This assessment will be used to measure progress and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the Department’s asset management capability and performance.

Development of the SAMP is continuing, with completion expected during 2026.

20 Year Infrastructure Strategy

The Department is developing a 20-Year Infrastructure Strategy to guide long-term planning and investment across its courts, correctional facilities and supporting infrastructure.

The Strategy will identify future infrastructure priorities and investment needs, taking into account service demand, government priorities, emerging trends and changes in service delivery requirements. It will also align with key Departmental strategies, including the Strategic Plan for Corrections, to help ensure the Department’s infrastructure portfolio remains safe, secure and fit for purpose into the future.

This is a key initiative in the Department of Justice Strategic Plan 2022-2027 .

Launceston Reception Prison Infrastructure and Security Upgrades

The Department is progressing a range of infrastructure improvements at the Launceston Reception Prison (LRP) to maintain safe, secure and efficient correctional facilities.

The upgrades will enhance the functionality, condition and operational performance of key areas within the facility and improve the environment for staff, visitors and people in custody.

The planned works include:

• Upgrades to the existing laundry facilities;
• Upgrades and reconfiguration of storage areas;
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades servicing the female accommodation and day yard areas; and
• Associated building, electrical, hydraulic, structural, commissioning and ancillary works required to deliver a fully operational and compliant outcome.

The Department of Justice released a Request for Tender (RFT) on 3 October 2026 seeking to engage a suitably qualified contractor to deliver the infrastructure upgrade works at the facility.  The tender is scheduled to close on 10 November 2026, with works expected to commence in early 2027.

In addition, the Department of Justice has engaged Security Consulting Group (SCG) to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing electronic security systems at LRP.

The review will inform the future upgrade of the prison's electronic security infrastructure, with the Department intending to engage a Security Integrator to commence upgrade works during the second half of 2027.

These projects form part of the Government's continued investment in the State's correctional infrastructure, supporting improved operational capability, security and facility standards for staff, visitors and people in custody.

Completed work

Southern Remand Centre & Risdon Prison Complex Upgrades

The Southern Remand Centre is a key infrastructure project that has now been delivered.  The Southern Remand Centre can provide accommodation for up to 156 male remandees, housed in two separate accommodation units with shared recreational spaces and a dedicated health facility.

The Government also provided funding for upgrades to key facilities in the RPC needed to support the new remand centre. These include upgrades to the health clinic, gatehouse, inmate processing and visits centre.

The SRC was commissioned on 29 July 2022 with the initial transfer of remandees from the Hobart Reception Prison and RPC.

For more information about the SRC please visit the project webpage.

Hobart Reception Prison

• The essential maintenance of ductwork at the Hobart Reception Prison was completed in December 2019.
• The electronic security system upgrade was completed in 2021. The new electronic security system upgrade has enhanced the security and safety for staff, inmates and visitors at the prison through the installation of new contraband-control equipment and an upgrade to all major security systems.

O’Hara Cottages extension

• The O’Hara Cottages is a pre-release facility on the Risdon Prison site, which previously housed 16 inmates.
• Work was completed in late 2019 to extend the facility by constructing four additional minimum classification rated cottages, accommodating a further 16 inmates bringing the total accommodation capacity to 32.

Inmate Telephony System Upgrade

• A modern telephone system for inmates in line with contemporary technologies.
• The new telephone system has provided lower call costs and greater access to telephones for inmates.
• The telephone system came online in 2021.

Ron Barwick Prison Upgrades

• The Ron Barwick Prison Upgrades have included a number of improvements to essential correctional infrastructure, including the plumbing and electrical services.
• Most recently a multipurpose facility was commissioned within the existing structure, which will provide inmates and staff with a modern training and education facility.
• Upgrades are now complete to accommodation for inmates with physical and age-related disabilities.

Police Out of Courts Project, Launceston

Phase 2 of the Launceston Police out of Courts Project is now complete, including:

• Construction of a new interview room and upgrades to the holding cells, sally port, officers' station and court security at the Launceston Supreme Court
• Installation of additional CCTV cameras at the Launceston Supreme Court
• Refurbishment of the officers' station, visits areas, staff office and staff amenities at the Launceston Reception Prison

Police Out of Courts Project, Burnie

In August 2021, the Department met the first phase of the Government’s commitment to remove Tasmania Police from court security and offender transport duties at the Burnie Supreme Court, utilising retired police officers as court custody officers on a temporary basis. These officers provided a crucial support role for both the Courts and the Tasmania Prison Service for over 18 months. In March 2023, the escorting functions were fully taken over by Tasmania Prison Services staff.

Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison

These new facilities opened on 21 October 2018:

• Two new 10-bed minimum security units
• A new 5-bed mother and baby unit