Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA is calling on the State Government to urgently invest in Greenough Regional Prison, highlighting the shortcomings currently faced by the prison in Parliament.
On Wednesday, Ms Warr spoke of the current prison system, highlighting overcrowded cells, overstretched staff, and failing infrastructure as just some of the issues.
She said WA’s prison system was at breaking point, following a failure of action from the State Government.
“This is not a sudden crisis, it is the predictable consequence of years of neglect, poor planning, and political inaction,” Ms Warr said.
“Prisons must function properly, providing security, rehabilitation, and genuine pathways out of crime, not acting as warehouses for frustration and failure.”
The Nationals WA’s stance is to stop crime at the source, having taken policy to the election to prioritise diversion programs to ensure long-lasting change.
However, Ms Warr acknowledged corrective services and prisons serve a purpose, providing security, rehabilitation, and pathways out of crime.
She urged the State Government to improve conditions to ensure prisoners could properly rehabilitate.
“The Inspector of Custodial Services’ recent report showed overcrowding, ageing infrastructure, and short staffing are impacting prisoner mental health,” Ms Warr said.
“Just months ago, a hostage plot was uncovered, while in the past millions of dollars in damage have been caused due to riots at the prison.
“The system is failing, and the prison cannot continue as it is.”
The report outlined female prisoners being displaced from their purpose-built unit four, to accommodate male prisoners from the Kimberley and Pilbara due to overcrowding.
Aboriginal leaders recently spoke publicly at the Yamatji on Country – Call to Action event, highlighting the need for greater family visitation rights, more Aboriginal liaison officers inside prisons, and improved transition programs to support people returning to the community.
Meanwhile, staff shortages made it difficult for the system to work as intended, and put pressure on the hard-working officers at the prison.
Ms Warr said improving conditions would have a flow-on effect for the community.
“No one expects prisons to be comfortable, but they must work,” she said.
“The Government must urgently prioritise upgrading and expanding the facility at Greenough, ensuring it can provide safe conditions, reduce overcrowding, and deliver the education, rehabilitation, and support programs that are essential for both prisoners and staff.
“Without this investment, the system will continue to fail, putting lives inside and outside the prison at risk.”
Ms Warr vowed to continue to prioritise community safety for the people of Geraldton.
