Adelaide prisoners riot over ongoing lockdowns due to staff shortages
Chronic staff shortages have forced inmates at South Australia's highest security prison in Northfield, Adelaide into lockdown over the weekend, sparking violent protests within the complex.
Yatala Labour Prison has experienced several lockdowns this year due to COVID-19 staffing issues, leading to prisoner frustrations, which escalated on Saturday.
A 9News exclusive look into the prison found sinks torn off walls and metal sheeting ripped from cells.
READ MORE: Veteran tells true story behind classic Australian anti-war song
Yatala Labour Prison has experienced several lockdowns this year due to COVID-19 staffing issues. 9News
An entire wing of the prison was filled with clutter and debris, graffiti scrawled on the walls and multiple flooded toilets. 9News
No one was injured during the protest but it has prompted safety concerns for both staff and inmates. 9News
Pictures show an entire wing filled with clutter and debris, graffiti scrawled on the walls and multiple flooded toilets.
No one was injured during the protest but it has prompted safety concerns for both staff and inmates. The prison guards' union is calling for an urgent review.
READ MORE: Elon Musk to buy Twitter
Staff shortages forced inmates at Yatala Prison in Adelaide into lockdown over the weekend, sparking violent protests within the complex. 9News
Natasha Brown from the Public Service Association said the incident wasn't isolated.
"Due to a lack of staffing, unfortunately lockdowns — which were previously a rare occurrence — are becoming more and more common," she said.
"Unless the understaffing issue is addressed we're going to see more lockdowns and more prisoner disturbances as a result."
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
