Statement on Hakea death

Comments to be attributed to WA Prison Officers’ Union State Secretary Andy Smith

“WAPOU is saddened to hear of the death of a prisoner at Hakea prison on Thursday afternoon. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time, and also with the prison officers who found him and who did everything they could to revive him, until paramedics arrive.

“This death is another tragic reminder of the impact of understaffing prisons. We have warned the Department of Justice repeatedly that operating with too few staff increases lockdowns and prisoner frustration, while reducing prison officers’ ability to provide adequate supervision and to observe warning behaviours so that they can take action before it is too late.

“The understaffing crisis in our prisons cannot be allowed to go on any longer, and we again urge the Department and WA Government to take action."

MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Blom amy@regenstrategic.com.au 0431 685 372