The Tasmanian government is seeking to reclaim over $1 million spent on meals for inmates at Risdon Prison after the newly constructed kitchen was shut down due to safety concerns related to its flooring.
Corrections Minister Guy Barnett indicated that the department plans to hold the kitchen contractor accountable for the incurred costs. However, the opposition Labor party has raised doubts about the government’s ability to recover these funds.
Mr. Barnett informed that the kitchen is projected to reopen by mid-September, expressing his dissatisfaction over the delays in its operation.
Initially, the state invested $20 million in a modern kitchen for the Risdon Prison, which commenced operations in April. At the time, Minister Barnett expressed optimism about the benefits this investment would deliver to Tasmania’s correctional facilities.
Unfortunately, just a few months later, the kitchen had to cease operations due to issues with the slip resistance of the flooring.
During its closure, both the kitchen and its contractor, Hansen Yunken, were nominated as finalists for the Master Builders Tasmania Awards in the Work Health and Safety category.
The state government has confirmed that Hansen Yunken has acknowledged its responsibility for the slip hazard and is currently addressing the flooring issue at no additional cost to the government.
As a result of the kitchen’s closure, the prison has been forced to obtain meals from outside sources, including from Victoria, with an average daily inmate population of 841 between July 2025 and March 2026.
Labor sources report that around 3,000 meals are being transported from Victoria daily. Mr. Barnett stated in parliament that efforts have been made to engage local Tasmanian suppliers wherever feasible, with interstate options being utilized only when local capacity could not meet operational demands.
In response to Labor’s inquiries, Treasurer Eric Abetz confirmed that the government has incurred $1,035,072 in catering expenses over the past two months. However, questions remain regarding who will ultimately bear the cost of these meals.
Mr. Barnett reiterated that the department would pursue Hansen Yunken for the financial implications stemming from the kitchen’s closure, emphasizing the contractor’s accountability for the resulting issues.
Jen Butler, Labor’s spokesperson for Corrections and Rehabilitation, expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to recover the funds. She noted that the Liberals believe the contractor should cover the costs of emergency food necessitated by the kitchen’s problems, but warned that past government statements should be viewed with caution.
With contract specifics undisclosed, it is uncertain whether the contractor will assume responsibility for the expenses, or if the costs associated with this kitchen incident will contribute to the ongoing financial burden faced by Tasmanians due to the Liberal government’s history of overspending.
Back in July, Mr. Barnett had anticipated a swift reopening of the kitchen, but has since adjusted that timeframe to mid-September, stressing the urgency of the matter.
During a parliamentary session, Mr. Barnett confirmed that he has requested an independent review from his department to investigate the circumstances that led to this situation.
He expressed his frustration over the delays and insisted on a thorough review to ensure that similar errors do not occur in the future. As the contractor addresses the flooring issue, he expects it to be rectified to meet the necessary safety standards for full functionality.
