‘Extreme self-harm’: Queensland Labor faces internal criticism over prison system

Lack of mental health resources and basic facilities leaving inmates and workers traumatised, party member and daughter of state MP says

• Warning: This article discusses graphic instances of self-harm

The Queensland government is facing internal criticism of the state's prison system, with Labor party rank and file members warned about instances of prisoners engaging in severe acts of self-harm and a growing number of inmates experiencing mental health issues.

Labor branch delegate and the daughter of state MP Bruce Saunders, Ashleigh Saunders, told the party's weekend state conference workers at Queensland's prisons are being exposed to extremely graphic and traumatising scenes.