Overcrowding at Hakea

In the last week of February, we went to the media warning of more serious incidents at Hakea Prison as overcrowding reached an all-time high.

WAPOU is concerned for the safety of prison officers and other staff working at the maximum-security prison with the population reaching capacity.

The current muster is close to the 1200 mark, with the state-wide population at a record high of 7146.

Unfortunately, we were promised relief with new units at Casuarina Prison, but they have now been delayed until at least May. This will not come soon enough for our members who are dealing with a record WA prison muster. 

Two units at the new Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison (EGRP) remain closed due solely to the department’s inaction to attract and retain staff to Kalgoorlie.

We will continue to put pressure on the government publicly if conditions don’t improve.