Inspections and reviews
Inspections
Under the Inspector of Detention Services Act 2022 (IDS Act), the Inspector must inspect places of detention; youth detention centres, prisons, work camps and watch-houses.
Inspection process
The process to undertake an inspection includes:
- planning and preparation
- onsite inspection which includes engaging with detainees and people who work in detention facilities
- analysing information
- report writing.
The inspection report is provided to the Speaker for tabling in Parliament. Inspection reports that have been tabled are listed under Publications.
Current inspections
Inspections which have been announced and are in progress.
Prisons
- Numinbah Correctional Centre
- Lotus Glen Correctional Centre
- Princess Alexandra Hospital Secure Unit
- Woodford Correctional Centre
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Inspections completed and reports are being prepared |
- Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
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Consultation closed, undergoing inspection
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Youth detention centres
- Wacol Youth Remand Centre
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Inspection completed and report is being prepared |
- West Moreton, Brisbane and Cleveland Youth Detention Centres 2026 inspections
Focus areas:
- Duty of care, specifically standards relating to bullying, discrimination and violence reduction
- Managing behaviours
- Security
- Rehabilitation and preparation for release.
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Consultation closed, undergoing inspection
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Reviews
Under the Inspection of Detention Services Act 2022, the Inspector has the power to review detention services.
A review may be undertaken to consider a systemic issue that was identified from:
- the experience of a detainee or detainees, or
- an issue in one or more places of detention.
The Inspector must prepare a report on each review carried out. Reports that have been tabled are listed under
Publications.
Review process
The process to undertake a review includes:
- Planning and preparation – we consider the scope of the review and send letters requesting information from various organisations that will be examined as part of the review
- Consultation and engagement – we speak to key stakeholders, detainees, former detainees, professionals, and may ask the public for their views through a consultation process
- Onsite review – we observe the operation of detention facilities, gather information and speak to staff about what works well and what could be improved
- Analysing information – we review the information we have gathered and identify good practice and the key issues impacting detainees
- Report writing – we draft a report setting out our findings and recommendations for improvement that is tabled in the Queensland Parliament.
Current reviews
Maximum security units
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In February 2026, we commenced a review of Maximum Security Units (MSUs) at Arthur Gorrie, Brisbane and Woodford Correctional Centres.
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Consultation closed, undergoing review
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The review looks at:
- Proportionality of decision making - the legal framework and decisions that allow a person to be placed in an MSU.
- Effectiveness of oversight mechanisms and procedural safeguards - the information and support given to MSU prisoners to help them understand decisions, ask for a decision to be reviewed, or make a complaint.
- Daily routine and proportionality of conditions imposed on MSU prisoners - what daily life is like for prisoners in MSUs, and how they can access property, meaningful activity, and communication with the outside world.
- Effectiveness of progression pathways - how MSUs are used across Queensland and how prisoners are supported to progress and move back to a less restrictive part of the prison.
- Consistency and effectiveness of governance arrangements - how staff interact with prisoners in MSUs, whether they receive any special training, and how different MSUs work together to make sure they have similar ways of operating and making decisions.
Reports
Detention inspection reports that have been tabled are listed under Publications.
Get updates
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Complaints
The Inspector’s functions do not include investigating individual detainee complaints. Complaints about administrative matters in places of detention should be directed to the Queensland Ombudsman.