Qld prison guard suspended

A Queensland prison officer has been suspended amid allegations of inmate mistreatment at a jail in the state's far north.

The officer, who worked at the Townsville Correctional Centre, had been referred to the police service and department of justice, Queensland Corrective Services said on Friday.

The department has launched an ethical standards investigation but not provided any further details about the allegations.

"In keeping with its commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability, QCS has undertaken to inform the public when an officer faces serious allegations of misconduct," the department said in a written statement.

"This does not mean the allegation against the officer has been substantiated."