Bitter sweet prison result in the Northwest

The opening of a new prison facility in Derby is being welcomed, but it doesn’t go far enough to help the serious problem of overcrowding in WA prisons.

The gross overcrowding of WA prisons has led to the launch of the Respect the Risk campaign throughout the state that will see TV advertisements roll out over the coming weeks in regional areas.

Derby Prison is set to open its doors tomorrow, with the Government providing up to 150 new beds. Just weeks ago, however, the Government’s broken promise about the management of the closure of Broome Prison.

Broome Prison already houses more than 100 inmates, and 60 prison officers who will be forced to start relocating, or job-hunting as soon as Christmas.

WA Prison Officers’ Union Secretary John Welch, who will be in Derby for the prison opening tomorrow, said the Government’s actions created a bitter sweet situation for prison officers in the state’s northwest.

“This new state-of-the-art prison facility is welcomed by the WA Prison Officer’s Union, and will play a vital role in the state’s prison network,” Mr Welch said.

“However, the promise of 150 beds and new prison officer jobs needs to be considered within the bigger picture. Opening one prison while closing another nearby simply creates a false economy of jobs, and does little in helping the ongoing issue of overcrowding – it just shifts the problem.

“The Government has promised a new facility at Broome, yet no details have been provided as to when or where this will be built, and whether it will be a public or private facility. This is despite our letter to the Minister weeks ago.

“Many of the workers at Broome prison being asked to relocate have lived in the town for decades and have built a life there. They need to know answers about what is happening with the new facility before they uplift their entire lives and relocate for work.

“The decision to close Broome and open Derby prison also leaves Broome without a remand facility, despite it being where the court facilities are located. We have seen the dangers of long distance prisoner transport first hand with the tragic death of Aboriginal elder Mr Ward, and the building of a remand centre in Broome is vital and must not be delayed.”