Victoria Minister for Corrections Andrew McIntosh

Victorian Prisoners To Get Access To Condoms

Victor P Taffa

Corrections Minister Andrew McIntosh today announced the commencement of the program to introduce condoms and dental dams into Victorian prisons, with the issuing of information packs to four Victorian prisons: Marngoneet and Dhurringile men’s prisons and the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and Tarrengower women’s prison.

“The implementation of this important program has commenced today, with the distribution of information packs to participating prisons, delivering on the Government’s commitment.

Corrections Victoria is providing condoms and dental dams to prisons next week.” Mr. McIntosh said.

“Victoria is one of the last Australian states to provide condoms and dental dams to prisoners, five years after the Ombudsman recommended such a program to prevent the spread of disease. Unlike Labor who failed to act on the Ombudsman’s recommendations from the 2006 report Conditions of persons in custody, the Coalition Government has taken steps to tackle the spread of infectious diseases across Victorian prisons.” Mr. McIntosh said.

Mr. McIntosh said this program will help prevent the sexual transmission of diseases and protect the community, innocent family members and children who may be exposed to disease when prisoners are released.

“Condoms and dental dams can significantly reduce transmission of sexually transmissible infections and some blood-borne viruses. There are more than 5,000 prisoners who leave prison every year, so it is important to take steps to protect both prisoners and the community from infectious disease.” Mr. McIntosh said.

Condoms and dental dams will be available through prison health centres.

Since announcing the program earlier this year, Corrections Victoria has worked closely with the CPSU and prison staff on the roll-out of this program. Waste disposal bags will be provided with the condoms and dental dams, as part of the safe and hygienic disposal system. Prisoners will be educated about safe sexual practices and disposal.

“We have worked extensively with the CPSU to ensure that the introduction of condoms and dental dams into prisons will not jeopardise the safety and security of prisoners and staff.” Mr. McIntosh said.

“Evidence from other jurisdictions shows that condoms and dental dams have had no negative impacts to prison security and safety.”

Condoms and dental dams will be introduced in two stages: stage one will be Marngoneet and Dhurringile men’s prisons and the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and Tarrengower women’s prison. Stage two will see condoms available across the remainder of the system.

Mr. McIntosh said condoms are a health protection measure available to the general community and should be available to the prison population.