Legal Studies

Doing Time at HM Prison — Loddon

As an extension of the VCE Legal Studies curriculum, students participated in the Schools Program at HM Prison Loddon. On the mornings of Tuesday 8th May and Tuesday 23rd October — with a mixture of anticipation, curiosity and nervousness — we boarded our bus bound for Castlemaine, as the sun rose and traffic built. The prison complex is located 128 kms north-west of Melbourne. It is a mainstream prison for male offenders with a current population of 360. Accommodation includes self-contained cottages with a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry, communal bathroom and living room, and three two-storey single cell blocks, divided into units of 36 cells, each with a toilet, shower, hand basin, bed, desk, chair, shelving, bed light, noticeboard, mirror, window, television and heating, none of which — we agreed — compensated for the loss of freedom. Construction of HM Prison Loddon began in February 1988 and cost $29 million. The first prisoners arrived in August 1990 after Castlemaine Prison closed. The Program provided a unique opportunity and forum for the boys to further their knowledge of modern correctional issues and life behind the prison walls. The highlight of the day’s activities was the students’ involvement in panel discussions and interactions with selected inmates. To begin with, the speakers provided general insights into the operation of the facility. Then, in small groups, they spoke candidly about their own backgrounds and factors they felt contributed to their incarceration. Our speakers were very keen to share details of their “jail history”. We were privy to many anecdotes and stories about life at Port Phillip, the Remand Centre, MAP, Barwon and Fullham — other more notorious and publicised correctional facilities. Insights that will stay with the boys for many years. Who were they? Who are they? The business analyst convicted of manslaughter, the result of an argument and violent outburst with his partner; the landscape gardener serving a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years for murder; the “white collar crims” — the accountant doing time for armed robbery and fraud, the investment analyst who embezzled much of his money; the interstate truck driver responsible for four deaths and serious injuries; the young man whose decision to drink and drive resulted in the death of another; the recidivists serving (more) time, one for murdering his drug dealer and related weapons offences; another, found guilty of aggravated assault and in for eleven years. We learned about the daily routine punctuated by regular musters, the opportunities for rehabilitation, the impact of ‘lockdown’, the violence and resourcefulness, the hierarchy and pecking order, human nature, privileges, survival, and much, much more. Some of the boys’ comments reflect the value and benefits of such a field trip: “It was daunting beforehand, but then we realised they were real people.” “A real eye opener!” “Nothing like ‘Prison Break’.” “I now understand how easily you can end up in there.” “I learnt that many prisoners suffered from substance abuse.” “it busted a lot of myths about prison life.” “There’s no room for happiness.” “Prisoners come from every walk of life and for very different reasons.” “Rehabilitation doesn’t work unless the prisoner wants to change.” “Although not necessarily fun, was extremely educational and broke down my prejudices of jail and prisoners.” “There but for the grace of God go I.” “A once in a lifetime trip — hopefully.”

Ms Sandra Venneri VCE Legal Studies