The Nationals WA are calling on the Cook Labor Government to explain why over $14 million in upgrades to facilities and programs designed to support women prisoners at Greenough Regional Prison are not being used as intended.
Member for Geraldton, Kirrilee Warr MLA, said the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services’ recent report exposed the misuse of valuable resources.
“In 2022, the State Government delivered a $12.3 million upgrade to Greenough Regional Prison, creating a dedicated Women’s Precinct at Unit 4, with the capacity to house up to 80 women and provide critical support services,” Ms Warr said.
“However, less than three years after these upgrades were completed, the women’s precinct is no longer being used, with many female prisoners relocated to Perth in early 2024 due to overcrowding.
“The handful of women who have returned to Greenough are now being denied access to these upgraded facilities and instead are housed in cramped conditions with limited recreation and no space for education or programs.”
Ms Warr expressed her disappointment with the Minister for Corrective Services’ response in Parliament.
“The Minister confirmed that the dedicated women’s facility is still being used for male prisoners, and failed to provide a timeline for when, or if, Unit 4 will ever be returned to its intended purpose. This is an unacceptable misuse of $12.3 million of taxpayer funds and leaves female prisoners at a disadvantage.”
Ms Warr also raised concerns about the $2 million Leave Safe, Stay Safe pilot program, designed to support women leaving prison after experiencing family and domestic violence.
“The transfer of women out of Greenough has put this program on hold, and it is now being conducted remotely vie telephone and video link instead of in person,” Ms Warr said.
“This shift has led to poorer outcomes for participants and further highlights the Government’s mismanagement and neglect of female prisoners.”
Member of the Legislative Council, Rob Horstman MLC, expressed concern over staffing shortages at Greenough Regional Prison and their negative impact on prisoner rehabilitation.
“The report revealed that nearly one-third of Vocational Support Officer (VSO) roles are currently vacant,” Mr Horstman said. “As a result, VSOs are often reassigned to cover other positions, restricting prisoners’ access to critical work programs, recreational activities, and other essential services.
“Prisoners are also being denied the right to attend funerals due to these staffing issues, which particularly affects Aboriginal prisoners, who are unable to fulfil cultural obligations or grieve with their families.
Mr Horstman further highlighted additional concerns raised in the report, including lack of access to phones, inadequate mental health services, and the absence of a long-term strategic plan.
“These issues are having a severe impact on both staff and prisoner morale. Without adequate mental health services or counselling, we risk creating an unsafe prison environment, which affects the well-being of everyone involved,” he said.
