The opposition justice critic says government needs to start thinking outside the box to address the issues facing inmates at HMP.

Black mould and a rodent infestation are among the issues brought up by Helen Conway-Ottenheimer.

Ultimately, in the long term she wants more of a commitment from government on an HMP replacement. But, in the short term, the structural issues need to be fixed.

If that cannot be done, she suggests looking at alternatives to incarceration like electronic surveillance such as ankle bracelets, community service, adult diversion, and enhancing the role of the mental health court.