Private sector not the answer for WA's prison system

The WA Prison Officers’ Union has strongly rejected a discussion paper released by the Economic Regulation Authority, which is part of a State Government push towards privatisation of prisons.

The ERA is conducting an inquiry into improving the efficiency of the prison system, but the union believes its terms of reference have been skewed to support the government’s privatisation agenda.

The discussion paper raises the idea of WA moving to a commissioning model, under which the Department of Corrective Services commissions service provision, then competes with the private sector to provide these services.

“This is a conclusion in search of a justification,” said WAPOU Secretary John Welch.

“The attempt at a rationale for opening up all prison services to privatisation is a grab-bag of ideas, none of which point to the model proposed.

“Adopting this model would lead to massive upheaval in the prison system. The Department would have to be split in two – one arm that provides services and another that manages service provision.

“More private sector involvement equates to less jobs, as private providers have to keep costs down in order to make a profit.

“Cutting jobs means cutting safety, as there are less staff to adequately manage prisoners.”

Mr Welch said the ERA had cited reducing recidivism rates as one of the main reasons for overhauling the prison system, however the ERA acknowledged recidivism rates in WA had been declining over the last 4 years and were now among the lowest in Australia.

“One of the other justifications for private sector involvement is cost, however the ERA admits that it has not reached a conclusion as to why costs are higher in WA than some other states and it may be down to geography and a higher quality of service being provided.”

Mr Welch said the union would apply to take part in a roundtable discussion proposed by the ERA to give feedback on its discussion paper.