UPDATE: Major prison safety reforms remain unaddressed one year after a damning inquiry into the actions of former corrections officer Wayne Astill, who was sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing nine women while employed at the Dillwynia Correctional Centre in Sydney’s west. As of now, only nine of 31 recommendations from the Special Commission of Inquiry led by Peter McLellan KC have been fully implemented.
The inquiry, which concluded in March 2023, highlighted significant failures in the state’s prison system, including missed warning signs that should have prevented Astill’s employment. In response, the NSW government committed to accepting all recommendations “in full or in principle.” However, the lack of action raises urgent questions about the safety of inmates and the effectiveness of current oversight measures.
The one-year anniversary of the inquiry’s findings coincides with ongoing legal battles from convicted murderer Keli Lane, who is challenging current and former prison staff—including Astill—for abuse she suffered during her time behind bars. Lane, serving an 18-year sentence for the 1996 murder of her newborn daughter, is demanding accountability from the system that has failed to protect its most vulnerable.
While the government has implemented some recommendations, such as new laws criminalizing sexual relationships between staff and inmates and appointing a stand-alone governor at Dillwynia, Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong admitted there is still “plenty more to do.” He emphasized that reforms are necessary to prevent “deplorable and unconscionable crimes” from happening again.
The NSW government has also expanded support for victims of sexual assault, including providing trauma counseling to Astill’s victims and enhancing CCTV and body-worn camera surveillance at Dillwynia. Yet, scrutiny continues, especially after a recent report from the NSW Ombudsman accused the state of running a “kangaroo court” in its prisons, revealing that thousands of conduct charges were likely applied unfairly.
This situation continues to unfold, and the urgent need for comprehensive reform in the NSW prison system remains critical. As the government faces mounting pressure to act decisively, the safety and rights of inmates hang in the balance.
For support, individuals can reach out to the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service at 1800 737 732 or 1800 211 028 for assistance.
