A smoking ban in Victorian prisons sparked a mass riot in a Ravenhall jail earlier in the week, but Corrective Services NSW said yesterday they are doing everything possible to ensure a similar scenario does not erupt here. 

A spokesperson for Corrective Services NSW said yesterday that extensive planning has been completed in readiness for the smoke free policy, including consultation with staff and with other jurisdictions, including Queensland and New Zealand, that have successfully implemented smoke free policies.

“There are currently information sessions targeted at all inmates and expert interstate assistance has been obtained to monitor the readiness of the system to implement this change,” he said.

The spokesperson said a range of services will be available for staff and inmates to support them to stop smoking, including Nicotine replacement therapy, peer and telephone support such as Quitline, and counselling.

Regarding the disturbance in a Victorian prison, the spokesperson said if there are any lessons to be learnt, NSW is fortunate to have six weeks until the policy is implemented to address any issues.

“CSNSW Commissioner Peter Severin has requested a debrief from Victoria’s commissioner. CSNSW will take a close look at what happened there and address any issue that may be relevant to the preparations for 10 August,” he said.

The spokesperson said it is a legislative requirement that all correctional centres in NSW become smoke free. 

“This will benefit the health of staff, inmates and visitors. Corrective Services NSW is working collaboratively with the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network to make correctional centres smoke free from 10 August,” he said.