skip to content

Refine results

Search by

Search by Algolia
     
    Law Handbook banner image

    Prison Institutions

    In South Australia there are nine adult prisons (officially called correctional institutions) in operation.

    While the Adelaide Remand Centre is the principal place for prisoners who are held on remand, it also holds sentenced prisoners and various of the other prisons hold both remand and sentenced prisoners.

    The following is a brief description of the current capacity of, and the classes of prisoners held in, these institutions:

    • Adelaide Remand Centre can hold up to 274 male prisoners (remand and/or sentenced)
    • Cadell Training Centre can hold up to 204 low security male prisoners
    • Mobilong Prison can hold up to 472 medium and low security male prisoners
    • Mount Gambier Prison can hold up to 653 medium and low security male prisoners (the prison can also accommodate short term high security male and female prisoners)
    • Adelaide Women's Prison can hold up to 232 female prisoners (remand and/or sentenced)
    • Adelaide Pre-Release Centre can hold up to 84 low security male and female prisoners
    • Port Augusta Prison can hold up to 617 high, medium and low security male and female prisoners (largest SA regional prison)
    • Port Lincoln Prison can hold up to 178 medium and low security male prisoners
    • Yatala Labour Prison can hold up to 576 high to medium security male prisoners (the prison can also accommodate low security prisoners and those in protective custody)

    The Chief Executive of the Department may make rules for the prison [see Correctional Services Act 1982 s 83]. Breaches of these rules are not offences carrying punishment, see Breaches of regulations.

    The Minister for Correctional Services must arrange for prisons to be inspected regularly [Correctional Services Act 1982 s 20(1)]. An inspector has an unrestricted right of entry to any part of a prison and can ask anyone any questions concerning the prison and the treatment of the prisoners [see Correctional Services Act 1982 s 20(4)].

    Prisoners are entitled to make complaints to an inspector, which the inspector must investigate. The inspector must send a report on the complaint and may make recommendations to the Minister [see Correctional Services Act 1982 s 20(6)].

    All judges and magistrates are entitled to inspect a prison at any reasonable time [see Correctional Services Act 1982 s 87].

    Prison Institutions  :  Last Revised: Mon Nov 19th 2012
    The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.

    We embrace diversity and welcome all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.


    South Australia flag     Aboriginal icon     Torres Straight icon     LGBT icon     Disability icon   Disability icon

    Legal Services acknowledges Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and ongoing occupants of the lands and waters in South Australia and we respect their spiritual, cultural and heritage beliefs. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our deep respect to Elders past and present.

           Connect with us

    • Facebook icon
    • Twitter icon
    • YouTube
    • LinkedIn