Canberra’s prison, the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC), has introduced wastewater testing to detect and respond to drug use among detainees.
The testing, which began in May, is part of ACT Corrective Services’ broader drug strategy and complements existing measures including urinalysis, random and targeted testing, and rehabilitation programs.
A sample collected on 13 May detected elevated levels of amphetamines, methylamphetamine, and EDDP — a metabolite (substance left behind after the body breaks down a drug) of methadone. Urinalysis results from the same period showed many new detainees entered custody under the influence of illicit substances.
Corrections minister Dr Marisa Paterson MLA said wastewater testing adds “another tool to understand what substances may be circulating in the AMC”, although more data is needed to guide long-term policy.
ACT Corrective Services Commissioner Leanne Close said the testing aligns with the AMC’s health-first approach, and will enhance the service’s ability to track and respond to drug use.
Like all correctional facilities, the AMC faces challenges in keeping out contraband, including drugs. ACT Corrective Services uses a range of detection and prevention methods, which it regularly updates to counter evolving smuggling attempts.
New hepatitis C program for detainees
A new ACT pilot program is making it easier for people in the justice system to access life-saving hepatitis C treatment.
Launched this month at ACT Community Corrections’ city office, the 12-month trial offers free, confidential hepatitis C testing and treatment to people on corrections or parole orders. Quick finger-prick tests are available during routine reporting appointments.
Hepatitis C disproportionately affects people in correctional settings due to drug use, mental illness, homelessness, and social disadvantage. Left untreated, it can lead to liver disease or cancer — but direct-acting antivirals now cure the virus in 99 per cent of cases.
Hepatitis ACT CEO Sarah Ahmed said too many marginalised people remain undiagnosed or untreated. “This pilot is about removing the barriers that too often prevent people in the justice system from accessing life-saving healthcare.”
ACT Corrective Services Commissioner Leanne Close said the program “removes barriers and builds trust” by embedding care in a familiar setting. “Treatment is simple, effective, and free. But for many, the hardest part is getting started.”
Corrections minister Dr Marisa Paterson MLA visited the testing site on World Hepatitis Day, which calls for action to eliminate hepatitis and prevent liver cancer.
“No-one should miss out on care because of stigma or circumstance,” she said.
$415K in funding to support Canberra artists and creatives
Thirteen Canberra-based artists and arts groups will share more than $415,000 in the ACT Government funding to support creative projects across literature, music, digital games, screen, dance, theatre, and visual arts.
The 2025 Arts Activities ($5,000 to $50,000) program helps artists create, develop and promote their work locally, nationally and internationally, reinforcing Canberra’s identity as Australia’s Arts Capital.
Recipients include Paul House, who will create a multi-media installation for the National Gallery of Victoria’s Country Road Biennale; Zora Kerr, who is developing a digital game based on growing up transgender; Sugar Kaye Grefaldeo, who will stage Fortūna, a new dance/theatre work; and James Batchelor, whose new dance work Resonance will premiere at the Canberra Theatre Centre. In literature, Marissa McDowell received funding for imagiNATION, a First Nations-led project using storytelling, poetry, animation, and light projection to imagine the future.
Arts minister Michael Pettersson MLA welcomed the diversity of funded projects, and said the support was key to nurturing Canberra’s creative sector.
The next round of applications closes on 31 July.
For more information, visit: www.arts.act.gov.au/funding/arts-activities-funding.
