Concern about State Government’s continued privatisation agenda

The WA Prison Officers’ Union is very concerned about comments made by the Corrective Services Minister that the prison security contract could be taken from Serco and awarded to another company.

The State Government is currently reviewing the Corrective Services contracts and is considering bringing ‘other players’ into the market to increase competition.

But WAPOU Secretary John Welch said it made no sense for the government to continue down the path of privatising prison services.

“The contract for prisoner management was given to Serco after G4S lost the contract following the death of Aboriginal elder Mr Ward,” he said.

“Serco has in turn had a string of problems, including the escape of some very dangerous prisoners.

Mr Welch said the best way to manage prisoners was to bring all the services back in house.

“When the private provider has failed to deliver the service the public sector has always stepped in, just like at the Supreme Court following all those escapes or when they can’t provide hospital escorts. We already do many of the minimum security transfers,” he said.

“The idea that there would be two or even three private providers is just crazy. Moving prisoners between prisons and to court and back is not like calling a cab. You need a solid reliable dependable service every day.”

“We hope that the review considers getting rid of the private contractors altogether and handing prisoner management back to the Department of Corrective Services.

“Everyone knows that private companies have to make money, and they cut corners as a result.”