Overcrowding reaching breaking point at roebourne prison

The WA Prison Officers’ Union (WAPOU) has called on the Barnett Government to act immediately to address the chronic overcrowding at Roebourne Regional Prison.

WAPOU Secretary John Welch said new facilities were urgently needed at Roebourne Prison, a facility originally built in the 1960’s.

“While the Government’s recent announcement to open a new minimum-security facility in Roebourne in welcomed, it’s about time the government acted to update the archaic main facility because frankly it’s well past it’s use by date.

“Roebourne Prison currently holds over 162 inmates in a prison designed for 116 – that is more than 46 prisoners over the design capacity or almost 40 per cent more than the prison is designed for.

“The working conditions of WA’s Prison Officers are already difficult, yet by failing to act the State Government makes their jobs even more risky and dangerous.

“WA’s prison system is bursting at the seams with 13 out of 14 WA prisons overcrowded and Roebourne Regional Prison is no different.

“A report released late last year 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.

“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.

“Every day prison officers deal with the effects of serious overcrowding. The Barnett Government must act now to stop putting Roebourne Prison staff further at risk,” said Mr Welch.