Weakening prisoners' rights sets a dangerous precedent for every Victorian in custody
Jesuit Social Services
Key Facts:The Victorian Government is proposing amendments to the Corrections Act which remove the right of prisoners to one hour of time in the open air each day.
This will weakens the legal minimum standards for people in custody, and breach the United Nations Mandela Rules and Victoria’s own Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.
Extended periods of solitary confinement can have extremely serious physical and psychological consequences. This also risks undermining rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
The Victorian Government must withdraw the Corrections Amendment Bill 2026, which removes the right of prisoners to one hour of time in the open air each day and weakens the legal minimum standards for people in custody, according to Jesuit Social Services.
“When the Supreme Court found the Government had denied people in custody their legislated right to an hour in the open air each day, the right response was to fix the conditions and reduce pressure on the custodial system by investing in diversion, community-based alternatives and prevention – not to change the law and erase the state’s liability,” says Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards.
“An hour in the open air is not a privilege – we know that human beings need access to regular sunlight to remain healthy. This is the minimum standard of humane treatment reflected in the United Nations Mandela Rules and Victoria’s own Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. Extended periods of solitary confinement can have extremely serious physical and psychological consequences. This also risks undermining rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.”
“Given the number of people who are presently being held while on bail – often in conditions where they cannot access the normal services available to prisoners, the Government’s attempt to rush this legislation through without proper scrutiny is extremely concerning.” says Ms Edwards.
“We are calling upon the Government to withdraw this Bill and to prioritise community safety over operational convenience. Decades of experience have taught us that respecting human rights isn’t just the “right” thing to do – it’s also good policy.”
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