Report Finds Women in NSW Custody Went Days Without Menstrual Products
By Chloe · Published 28 Oct 2026 · Updated 28 Oct 2026
Central Coast, NSW · New South Wales News
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An inspection of a correctional facility on the NSW Central Coast uncovered serious concerns about access to basic hygiene supplies, time outdoors and the length of time people were held in cells.
A report by the NSW Inspector of Custodial Services has identified significant problems at the Kariong Intake and Transit Centre, including women being left without access to sanitary products for several days while in custody. The findings have renewed scrutiny of conditions in short-term detention facilities and the responsibility of authorities to ensure that people in custody receive basic necessities.
The report was tabled in the NSW Parliament in the week before the ABC published its findings on 28 October 2026. It examined the operation of the Kariong facility, which holds people who are moving through the criminal justice system, including those awaiting placement in prison or being held on remand.
Inspectors found that supplies of menstrual products were very limited and difficult for women to access. The report described situations in which women were escorted to transport vehicles while menstruating without sanitary items. The findings raised concerns about dignity, hygiene and the procedures used to provide essential supplies to women in detention.
Former prisoner Kaycee Henzon described difficulties obtaining pads and tampons during her time in custody. She said she had sometimes been told to use toilet paper when sanitary products were unavailable. Henzon also described occasions when she had to wait for additional supplies despite needing them, leaving her feeling dehumanised.
Under NSW custodial operations policy, sanitary pads and tampons are supposed to be issued to female inmates when they first arrive at prison facilities. Women should also be able to request additional products when required. The report's findings suggest that the availability of supplies and the process for obtaining them did not consistently meet those expectations at Kariong.
The inspection identified other problems beyond menstrual hygiene. The facility is designed for stays of no more than 24 hours, but the average stay was found to be approximately 27 hours. The report also recorded 29 cases in which people were held beyond the legal maximum of seven days, with one person remaining in a cell for 11 days.
Inspectors also raised concerns about access to outdoor exercise, soap and adequate clothing. Some people were reportedly denied time outside, while limited clothing supplies contributed to at least one person being transferred without a shirt or shoes. These findings prompted calls for urgent improvements to conditions and procedures.
Advocates say many of the problems could be addressed through straightforward operational changes, including keeping adequate hygiene supplies in stock, ensuring products can be requested without unnecessary barriers and monitoring how long people remain in short-term detention. They argue that imprisonment restricts freedom but should not remove access to basic human needs.
The report recommended that menstrual products always be available and provided to women who need them. Similar concerns have appeared in earlier inspections of NSW correctional facilities, suggesting that the issue extends beyond a single centre.
Corrective Services NSW acknowledged the challenges faced by women in custody and said it was committed to ensuring access to appropriate hygiene products and support. The department said it would provide a formal response to the report in due course.
The findings have renewed debate about accountability and oversight in the state's custodial system. Ensuring access to sanitary products, clothing, soap and outdoor time is essential to maintaining safe and humane conditions for people held by the state.
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A report by the NSW Inspector of Custodial Services has identified significant problems at the Kariong Intake and Transit Centre, including women being left without access to sanitary products for several days while in custody. The findings have renewed scrutiny of conditions in short-term detention facilities and the responsibility of authorities to ensure that people in custody receive basic necessities.
The report was tabled in the NSW Parliament in the week before the ABC published its findings on 28 October 2026. It examined the operation of the Kariong facility, which holds people who are moving through the criminal justice system, including those awaiting placement in prison or being held on remand.
Inspectors found that supplies of menstrual products were very limited and difficult for women to access. The report described situations in which women were escorted to transport vehicles while menstruating without sanitary items. The findings raised concerns about dignity, hygiene and the procedures used to provide essential supplies to women in detention.
Former prisoner Kaycee Henzon described difficulties obtaining pads and tampons during her time in custody. She said she had sometimes been told to use toilet paper when sanitary products were unavailable. Henzon also described occasions when she had to wait for additional supplies despite needing them, leaving her feeling dehumanised.
Under NSW custodial operations policy, sanitary pads and tampons are supposed to be issued to female inmates when they first arrive at prison facilities. Women should also be able to request additional products when required. The report's findings suggest that the availability of supplies and the process for obtaining them did not consistently meet those expectations at Kariong.
The inspection identified other problems beyond menstrual hygiene. The facility is designed for stays of no more than 24 hours, but the average stay was found to be approximately 27 hours. The report also recorded 29 cases in which people were held beyond the legal maximum of seven days, with one person remaining in a cell for 11 days.
Inspectors also raised concerns about access to outdoor exercise, soap and adequate clothing. Some people were reportedly denied time outside, while limited clothing supplies contributed to at least one person being transferred without a shirt or shoes. These findings prompted calls for urgent improvements to conditions and procedures.
Advocates say many of the problems could be addressed through straightforward operational changes, including keeping adequate hygiene supplies in stock, ensuring products can be requested without unnecessary barriers and monitoring how long people remain in short-term detention. They argue that imprisonment restricts freedom but should not remove access to basic human needs.
The report recommended that menstrual products always be available and provided to women who need them. Similar concerns have appeared in earlier inspections of NSW correctional facilities, suggesting that the issue extends beyond a single centre.
Corrective Services NSW acknowledged the challenges faced by women in custody and said it was committed to ensuring access to appropriate hygiene products and support. The department said it would provide a formal response to the report in due course.
The findings have renewed debate about accountability and oversight in the state's custodial system. Ensuring access to sanitary products, clothing, soap and outdoor time is essential to maintaining safe and humane conditions for people held by the state.
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