On 11 August 2026, another person died in custody at the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre (MSPC) at Long Bay Correctional Complex. It is the second death in a matter of months in a unit that had already been flagged as unsafe.
In May 2026, a 19-year-old man died at MSPC in an area the NSW Inspector of Custodial Services had already recommended for closure. According to prisoner advocate Renee McNab, who has been raising the alarm on this since the May death, the Inspector’s report set out 45 recommendations after finding deteriorating infrastructure, mould, poor ventilation and ligature points throughout the facility.
Government fails to provide safe environment in MSPC at Long Bay
Our Principal Solicitor, Peter O’Brien, has added his voice to those calling for change:
“When a government inspector tells us a facility cannot provide a safe environment and a 19-year-old man still dies there months later, we have failed in our most basic duty of care.
MSPC at Long Bay is a 115-year-old building housing some of our most vulnerable people, including the elderly, the disabled, the mentally ill.”
Sign the petition to close MSPC at Long Bay
People in custody do not lose their right to a safe environment. A facility that has been told, in writing, that it cannot keep people safe should not still be open two deaths later.
Renee is running a petition calling for MSPC’s closure. And our firm is standing with Renee and everyone calling for action on this, and we’re asking you to add your voice too.
Sign the petition to close MSPC at Long Bay: https://www.change.org/CloseMSPCLONGBAY
Peter O'Brien is the Principal Solicitor of O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors and Australia's leading expert in intentional torts litigation, with over 25 years of experience securing landmark victories in malicious prosecution and unlawful imprisonment cases. Author of Intentional Tort Litigation in Australia and recipient of the Law Council of Australia President's Medal, Peter has achieved record-breaking compensation for clients and is widely recognised for his unwavering commitment to access to justice.
