Communities and Justice

Expanded remand centre biggest in Australia

Last published on 30 Apr 2021 

Australia’s largest remand centre will now hold up to 1,540 inmates, following the official opening of the 440-bed expansion by Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts.

The expansion of Silverwater’s Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) in Sydney, is the final build in the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion prison infrastructure plan.

Minister Roberts said the additional beds will reduce the need to transfer inmates on remand to regional areas, away from the major courts and their families.

“This maximum-security bed expansion allows us to house inmates more effectively within metropolitan Sydney, so they can maintain face-to-face contact with their families and loved-ones,” Mr Roberts said.

“It will cut the number of remand inmates transported to and from regional areas for court appearances and ensures resources are used more effectively within Corrective Services.”

The expansion project included four 110-bed accommodation blocks, recreational areas, a new health centre, program rooms and much needed upgrades to existing facilities.

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the introduction of more program areas will help inmates get their lives back on track sooner.

“It’s a priority for Corrective Services to reduce reoffending and this expansion forms part of our commitment to creating a more efficient, rehabilitation-focused system,” Mr Severin said.

“The new facilities include purpose-built rooms for therapeutic programs to ensure inmates have access to addiction and behaviour-change support services while on remand.”

MRRC will welcome almost 200 additional jobs across Custodial, Corrective Services Industries and Offender Services and Programs.

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Last updated:

17 Nov 2021