$65 million spent yet so far only 6 new beds for Albany Prison

The WA Prison Officers’ Union (WAPOU) has condemned the Barnett Government for failing to keep all existing beds in operation at Albany Regional Prison when a new prison unit opens this month.

WAPOU Secretary John Welch said it was ludicrous that at the same time the Government is trumpeting the opening of 96 new beds at Albany Regional Prison they were closing 90 existing beds.

“WA’s prison system is bursting at the seams with 13 out of 14 WA prisons overcrowded and Albany Regional Prison is no different. In a facility originally designed for 186 prisoners it currently houses 311 prisoners.

“The State Government is spending $65 million on 5 new prison units across the state but this will only yield a further six beds at Albany Prison despite chronic overcrowding.

Mr Welch has urged the Premier and Corrective Services Minister Terry Redman to tackle the overcrowding problem in WA prisons by keeping both new and old cells open for prisoners.

“Everyday prison officers deal with the effects of serious overcrowding,” Mr Welch said.

“A recently released report by Western Australia’s Inspector of Custodial Services highlights the knock on effects overcrowding has on our prisons causing tension amongst prisoners which leads to more assaults on fellow prisoners and can lead to assaults on staff.

“When we’re building five new units, we should get the extra capacity that comes with it straight away.

“I can see no reason, other than saving money, to close units while we have this overcrowding problem.

“If the State Government wants to be tough on law and order it must match its talk with increased investment in prisons and delivery of appropriate new facilities.

“The government must act now and stop putting prison staff at risk,” said Mr Welch.

ENDS

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