A New South Wales Ombudsman investigation has found that inmates at the South Coast Correctional Centre near Nowra were subjected to unlawful and oppressive conditions, with some prisoners reportedly confined alone in their cells for up to three months. The investigation was launched following complaints lodged by four prisoners in April 2025 regarding conditions experienced by inmates held in protective custody. The Ombudsman found that approximately 30 prisoners had been affected by the arrangements, which significantly restricted their movement and access to services.
According to the report, some inmates in protective custody were confined to their cells for 24 hours a day for periods ranging from two weeks to three months. During these periods, they were deprived of normal daily activities, including outdoor exercise and contact visits with family members and friends.
Under New South Wales law, prisoners are generally entitled to a minimum of two hours of outdoor exercise each day. The Ombudsman found that inmates at South Coast Correctional Centre, as well as some prisoners at other correctional facilities including Parklea Correctional Centre, the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre and Shortland Correctional Centre, had not received their daily exercise entitlements during certain periods in 2025.
The report concluded that prolonged confinement without exercise can result in significant physical deterioration and psychological harm. It also noted that extended isolation may make it more difficult for inmates to successfully reintegrate into the community following their release.
NSW Ombudsman Paul Miller described the circumstances as both foreseeable and avoidable. The investigation found that policy changes introduced in 2020 contributed to the issue by requiring certain vulnerable prisoners in protective custody to be held separately rather than together with other inmates requiring protection.
The report also criticised Corrective Services NSW for failing to provide requested documentation within required timeframes during the investigation. The Ombudsman stated that had complaints not been made by prisoners, it was unclear how long the conditions may have continued.
Correctional facilities have legal and ethical obligations to ensure that inmates are treated safely and humanely while maintaining appropriate security measures. Experts have previously warned that prolonged isolation can negatively affect mental health and overall wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable prisoners.
The findings have renewed debate about conditions within Australia's correctional system and the balance between prison security requirements and prisoner welfare. Human rights advocates argue that extended isolation should only occur in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest possible periods.
The South Coast Correctional Centre is one of several facilities operating within New South Wales' correctional network. The Ombudsman's report is expected to prompt reviews of existing procedures governing protective custody arrangements and inmate welfare practices across the state.
Authorities are expected to consider the report's recommendations as they assess whether further reforms are required to ensure prisoners' legal rights and wellbeing are adequately protected while maintaining secure correctional operations.
