SYDNEY • Australia is to build its first prison aimed at isolating militants and stopping the spread of radical beliefs through the prison system as part of efforts to eliminate terrorism.

The unit will be within a maximum-security prison and have capacity for 54 inmates, who will be isolated and intensely monitored, said Ms Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of the New South Wales state.

She told reporters that A$47 million (S$49 million) will be spent over the next three years "to have the extra capacity to isolate those prisoners who are likely to try and spread radicalisation through the prison network".

There are 33 people within the New South Wales' prison system who have been jailed for terrorist offences, the state government said.

Australia has been hit by a series of "lone wolf" extremist-inspired attacks recently, prompting a review of police tactics and the powers of the state and federal authorities.

REUTERS