Funding to tackle radicalisation in prisons

The NSW Government will invest $47 million over three years to increase the capacity of Supermax from 45 inmates to 75 and create a new high-security unit at Goulburn jail.

A specialist unit will also be established at Silverwater jail, which will work alongside NSW Police and other intelligence gathering agencies to combat radicalisation across all NSW jails.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said public safety was the government’s number one priority.

“Our counter-terror laws are the toughest in the nation and this investment will ensure that our jails are fully equipped to keep the community safe,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Minister for Counter Terrorism and Minister for Corrections David Elliott said the funding would help Corrective Services NSW address the evolving threat of radicalisation in the state’s prisons.

“Increasing the operational capacity of Supermax would allow convicted terrorists to be separated from other prisoners, reducing the risk of radicalisation within the prison system,” Mr Elliott said.