An ACT Custodial Inspector review has found serious shortcomings in the treatment of an Aboriginal woman at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, including the use of pepper spray while she was self-harming and failures in medical care, communication and cultural support.

The review examined a July 2025 incident in which the woman, who had been experiencing acute mental distress, attempted to harm herself after being refused permission to attend an Aboriginal art program.

Correctional officers used Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, removed a ligature from her neck and restrained her. The woman briefly lost consciousness before being taken to the prison’s Crisis Support Unit without first receiving a medical assessment.

Custodial Inspector Rebecca Minty found the lack of medical attention created a high risk of serious injury and described the incident as a “near miss”.

The review recommends ACT Corrective Services ban the use of OC spray on detainees who are self-harming but do not pose a threat to others.

The report also found a disciplinary penalty imposed on the woman before the incident, including 28 days in separate confinement, was “grossly disproportionate” and reduced her access to culture and family support while she was experiencing mental health difficulties.

The review makes 11 findings and four recommendations, including improved information sharing between health and corrections staff and stronger access to culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal detainees.