Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney is urging the WA State Government to listen to the concerns of the WA Prison Officers’ Union to ensure staff at Greenough Regional Prison feel safe as well as feeling reassured that they are being listened to.
“If prison officers at Greenough Prison have said they do not feel safe at work, the Government need to make sure they follow up on these claims to properly investigate the matter,” Mr Blayney said.
“Staff at Greenough Prison play a vital role in helping to keep our community safe, as well as supporting and encouraging inmates to get back on the right path in life, so it’s vital they have an open and transparent line of communication with the government.
“Prison staff deserve to be listened to, and it’s important the Labor Government start to implement strategies that ensure both officers and inmates feel protected and safe.
Although new Prison Officers have been appointed since the riot back in 2018, a statement from the Department of Justice said the prison is currently 12 staff short of the agreed number of officers, which Mr Blayney has said calls for further investigation.
“Although prisoner numbers are down at Greenough, it is likely staff at the prison are being asked to take on an increased variety of duties, especially after all the new programs that are being implemented since the riot” Mr Blayney said.
“I will be putting pressure on the Labor Government to ensure no extra burdens are being unduly placed on our prison staff, and that agreed staffing levels reflect what is required on the ground.
“Following the largest prison break in the history of the State, it is vital that the Labor Government ensure that the new facility will serve Western Australians for decades to come.”
