Labor rules out Dhurringile reopening despite growing prison pressures

The Allan Labor Government has rejected calls to recommission Dhurringile Prison, despite Victoria’s soaring incarceration rates and growing pressure on prison capacity.

The response follows questions raised by The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, amid local speculation the government was investigating reopening the former low-security facility.

Ms Cleeland said the abrupt closure of Dhurringile in 2024 ripped millions of dollars from the local economy, cost regional jobs and occurred without meaningful consultation with the community.

“The decision to close Dhurringile was short-sighted and premature,” Ms Cleeland said.

“It was shut before Labor changed Victoria’s bail laws, and now the government is facing the very prison capacity pressures many warned about at the time.”

Ms Cleeland said Labor’s refusal to reconsider the site raised serious questions about its long-term corrections planning.

“Dhurringile was a successful low-security prison that provided employment, supported local businesses and played an important role in the regional economy.”

“With incarceration rates rising and prison capacity under increasing strain, Victorians deserve to know why a proven facility remains closed while the government searches for solutions elsewhere.”