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Prisoners given access to PlayStations, pizza cookers at Victoria's toughest jail

An investigation into Victoria’s toughest prison has revealed inmates are being given access to luxuries like pizza cookers and PlayStations.

Seven News exposed the perks as freedom of information documents show hundreds of requests made by prisoners at maximum security Barwon Prison in the 13 months to January this year.

The list of items approved by prisons included a PlayStation, pizza cooker and exfoliating gloves. Photo: 7 News
The list of items approved by prisons included a PlayStation, pizza cooker and exfoliating gloves. Photo: 7 News

Among the items approved at Barwon were a PlayStation and video games, a heart rate monitor, paints, canvas and brushes, a teddy bear, compression shorts, a pizza cooker, relaxation CDs, exfoliating gloves and even a book about forensics.

Former inmate Derryn Hinch said he was given quality good when he was behind bars.

“I had access to more fresh meat and better quality meat in one week than most pensioners would see in a month,” he told Seven News.

He believes serious offenders should only be given the essentials.

Derryn Hinch said he was given better meat than most pensioners would be able to afford. Photo: 7 News
Derryn Hinch said he was given better meat than most pensioners would be able to afford. Photo: 7 News

“Access to exercise, three meals a day, prison uniforms and underpants and a sunhat and that's about it,” he said.

The documents showed that prison management did refuse some requests, including a scientific calculator, an electric razor, word search books, a thicker mattress, laser hair removal, a red skivvy, orthotic thongs and a fluffy doona and pillow.

They also said no to a prisoner who wanted to cut another inmate's hair.

Corrections Victoria claims the perks help reduce boredom but critics say they're an insult to victims.

Some religious books were approved, while other items were denied. Photo: 7 News
Some religious books were approved, while other items were denied. Photo: 7 News

Victims’ advocate Steve Medcraft said the perks defeat the purpose of punishment.

“Where do you draw the line? Is it a pizza oven today, a chauffeur driven car to court next time?”

“I think the victims are the forgotten people in the justice system. It's all about the rights of the guilty,” he said.

Some of the requests centred around religion, with one inmate applying for a book about creation, and another for one on Buddhism.

Barwon Prison is considered Victoria's toughest jail. Photo: 7 News
Barwon Prison is considered Victoria's toughest jail. Photo: 7 News

Both were approved, but other prisoners were knocked back when they asked for religious CDs and a holy cross to keep in a cell.

Corrections Victoria says that while all inmates are allowed to make requests, extra items are a privilege not a right and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

News break – April 18