An inmate at a new juvenile unit inside an adult maximum-security prison in Victoria is in hospital with unspecified injuries.
The teenager was injured in the Grevillea Unit of Barwon Prison and taken to hospital about 1.15pm on Monday.
A Department of Health & Human Services spokesman would not comment on the boy's injuries, or say how he got them, but did say capsicum spray was used.
Reports on Melbourne radio station 3AW said that the capsicum spray was used without "ministerial clearance" are wrong, the spokesman told AAP.
Both DHHS and Corrections Victoria confirmed that prison staff do not need ministerial clearance to use capsicum spray in circumstances where they need to defend themselves or a colleague.
Radio reports that staff used batons and that an officer was assaulted are also incorrect, the spokesman said.
Premier Daniel Andrews told journalists on Tuesday he couldn't give details about the incident.
But he said that those in charge of youth justice facilities have the "equipment, training and the expertise to make sure that there's order".
The Grevillea unit of Barwon prison was controversially opened to juvenile offenders in November after a major riot at the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre.
