A violent clash at a troubled youth prison has led to a government department being charged with failing to provide a safe working environment.
One youth justice worker and several inmates were assaulted after a guard's keys were stolen at Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre in central Victoria in October 3, 2023.
WorkSafe has charged the Department of Justice and Community Safety with failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment after its systems allegedly failed to prevent unauthorised access to buildings and security gates.
The department also faces one charge for failing to ensure people other than workers were not exposed to health and safety risks, so far as reasonably practicable.
The incident at the centre led to three youths being taken to hospital with upper body injuries, while a fourth was given first aid at the scene.
Seven staff were held hostage during the violent clash, the ABC reported at the time.
Malmsbury closed its doors in late 2023 after being plagued with staff assaults, riots and escapes.
Detainees at the facility were transferred to the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre in Parkville and a new facility at Cherry Creek near Werribee.
The matter will be heard at the Kyneton Magistrates Court on August 25.
