Prison Lockdown

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:09): Supplementary: can the minister outline to the house how many times an individual prison within the prison system here in South Australia has been in lockdown so far this year?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:09): I would have to check the records, but from what I am aware there are often parts of a prison which are locked down because of a particular incident, but in terms of—

Mr Marshall: So this is a commonplace situation to be in lockdown?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Lockdowns occur for a number of reasons; one is to protect prisoners but also to protect staff from incidents which occur. We have to also remember that the prison system in itself is quite an artificial environment—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: —a bit like this place, yes—and from time to time emotions go way beyond what they are in the general community, so I don't think we should read more into it. At times, lockdowns occur as a precaution, which is appropriate to make sure that all our prisoners in our care are safe but also our staff are safe who run those prisons.

Mr MARSHALL: Supplementary, sir.

The SPEAKER: Leader.