No.32 HIV/AIDS, Prisons and

The increase in identified HIV seropositive prisoners in Australia's gaols, as outlined in this Trends and Issues, is of major concern, and raises serious questions concerning legal obligations within the prison community. The minimisation of HIV/AIDS in the Australian prison system is a complicated matter, and the formulation of corrections policy involves a number of considerations: what are the health issues- both for prisoners and prison employees? Are prisoners ' rights being met whilst we ensure our prisons are managed safely? Are all our legal duties being complied with? This Trends and Issues looks at some of the legal aspects of HIV/AIDS in the prison setting. It calls for law reform and policy changes to assist in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS in our nation's gaols, and to ensure that the interests and rights of prisoners and prison employers are recognised and safeguarded