Minister has to prioritise review of jail

MINISTER for Corrective Services Mark Ryan yesterday refused to answer a simple question about whether or not he would order a review into Townsville Correctional Centre.

That’s despite extensive coverage in the Townsville Bulletin that clearly demonstrated an alarming level of dysfunction at the prison.

Staff have torn strips off management while Corrective

Services pointed the finger squarely at the staff.

If that kind of finger-pointing doesn’t raise alarm bells for the minister, surely a death in custody, sex scandal, overcrowding and recent strike action should spur him into action.

Prisons must be complex operations to run safely and effectively.

And the demands on people working at such facilities would be significant.

The Townsville jail has had a huge history of problems.

The minister owes it to all parties to have the recent issues fully explored and resolved so management, staff, inmates and all their families can feel as though the jail is being run safely and professionally.

No more ducking and diving, Mr Ryan; you need to stop the rot at this prison.

Events season fires up city

There is no better time to be in Townsville than right in the middle of the winter events season.

The city is packed with Supercars superfans in their merch and then in a few weeks chamber music enthusiasts will flock to the city for the annual festival. To complement both, Townsville City Council this week officially launched the North

Australian Festival of Arts, which boasts a massive program of events.

From comedians, to live music, ballet, art and stage shows, the line-up is a rare mix that truly has something for everyone.

The council deserves a round of applause for putting it on.