1. Fears prison smoke ban may spark riots
Victoria's prisoners are fuming at a smoking ban in jails from July 1. Source: Supplied
A SMOKING ban in Victorian jails may spark riots as prisoners reportedly are already starting to
hoard tobacco on prison grounds, insiders say.
Prison sources have told the Herald Sun stocks of tobacco are being found in routine cell checks and
inmates have been seen burying hordes of smoking supplies in gardens.
Prisoners who smoke are also reportedly bullying their nonsmoking inmates into buying the weekly
quota of cigarettes to add to their supplies.
"This is just the start -- all hell is going to break out come July when they are stopped from lighting
up," a prison source said.
Cigarettes and tobacco will be outlawed in the state's 14 prison facilities from July 1.
Nicotine patches will be offered to prisoners to satisfy their cravings -- and 24-hour access will be
given to the Quitline telephone support service.
Corrective services staff will also no longer be able to smoke on jail grounds. Visitors will not even
be able to light up in prison car parks.
The Herald Sun understands at least one prison has already started restricting the weekly quota of
tobacco inmates are allowed to purchase to prepare for the ban.
Community and Public Sector Union occupational health and safety officer Carl Marsich said prison
guards were concerned about increased attacks because of the ban.
"I know in Queensland when they initiated the ban they had a couple of riots, people jumping up and
down ... so there was a bit of disruption in those prisons.''
Latest figures show about 80 per cent of prisoners are smokers.
A Corrections Victoria spokesman said it was "very well prepared" for a smoke-free prison system,
with prisoners given 18 months notice of the change.
He said there had been no "noticeable change" in prison behaviour or increased agitation in the lead
up to the smoking ban.
"However, we are taking every precaution to maintain a safe and secure environment for our staff
and for prisoners before and after 1 July," he said.
"All prisons have developed comprehensive contingency plans, conducted individual risk
2. assessments and will be closely monitoring the implementation and increasing resources where
required."
Smoking bans have been introduced in jails in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Tasmania
and New South Wales is planning to follow suit this year.
rebekah.cavanagh@news.com.au
Twitter: @rebekahcavanagh
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