Minister admits inmates on waiting lists leave prison before attending psychology services

The justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said this was due to long waiting lists and overcrowding
Mr O’Callaghan confirmed that 2,425 of the 5,817 people in prison as of February 27 were waiting to get psychological support. That 5,817 total means prison capacity stands at 123%. File picture

Mr O’Callaghan confirmed that 2,425 of the 5,817 people in prison as of February 27 were waiting to get psychological support. That 5,817 total means prison capacity stands at 123%. File picture

Tue, 31 Mar, 2026 - 00:43
Louise Burne

Prisoners awaiting addiction and psychology services are leaving prison without any assessment or treatment due to long waiting lists and overcrowding, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan has admitted.

New figures show that over 40% of prisoners across the state were on waiting lists for psychology services at the end of February.

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