Hobart prison sourcing meals from Victoria after floor fault shuts $19m kitchen

Hobart’s Risdon Prison Complex has faced a major disruption after its newly constructed $19.8 million kitchen was forced to close just three months after opening. The closure, attributed to faulty flooring, has led to meals for hundreds of prisoners being sourced from Victoria, according to the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU). The kitchen, designed to serve around 840 inmates, was shut down on July 10, significantly impacting the prison’s ability to provide regular meals internally. The problem originated from issues with the flooring installed in the kitchen. According to CPSU organiser Adam Gore, the flooring was laid using an incorrect mix of aggregate, resulting in a surface that failed to meet the necessary standards for durability in a high-use commercial kitchen. He noted that the floor did not drain properly, leading to standing water and potential hygiene risks. These problems have delayed the start of re-flooring work, as the existing equipment has not yet been removed to facilitate repairs. The Department of Justice confirmed that the issue relates to the slip resistance of the flooring and stated that the cost of remediation would be covered by the building contractor, as the defect was identified during the defects liability period. A spokesperson added that alternative arrangements had been put in place to ensure continued food service for prisoners and detainees. However, the exact timeline for restoring the kitchen remains uncertain, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing costs and logistical challenges. The kitchen, which was part of a larger initiative to modernise prison infrastructure, was initially hailed as a key component of the state’s efforts to improve conditions for inmates. Construction began in late 2024, with the project reaching practical completion in January 2026. It was handed over to the Tasmania Prison Service for operational commissioning, following a visit by Minister for Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation Guy Barnett and his predecessor Madeleine Ogilvie. Both officials shared positive updates about the facility on social media, highlighting its capacity to prepare up to 1,000 meals per day and its role in providing vocational opportunities for inmates. Despite these optimistic projections, the CPSU claims that multiple staff members raised concerns throughout the planning and construction phases. Issues ranged from staffing levels and workplace safety to the practicality of operating the facility. Mr Gore emphasized that staff wanted to see improvements and often proposed solutions, but their input appeared to go unheeded. This disconnect between management and frontline workers has contributed to the current crisis, with staff reporting increased stress due to the uncertainty surrounding the kitchen’s future. The reliance on external contractors from Victoria to supply meals has introduced additional financial strain, with estimates suggesting weekly costs could reach $90,000. This expense comes amid broader discussions about the sustainability of prison operations and the need for adequate resources to support both staff and inmates. The situation underscores the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly when they involve public sector facilities where delays and mismanagement can have far-reaching consequences. As the remediation work continues, the focus remains on resolving the flooring issue and restoring the kitchen to full operational status. Until then, the prison will continue to rely on external meal suppliers, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and effective communication between stakeholders. With the kitchen expected to reopen once the repairs are complete, the long-term impact of this incident on prison services and inmate welfare remains to be seen.