Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA has slammed the State Government for its lack of action towards WA prisons, after a report revealed similarities between conditions at Hakea, Casuarina and Melaleuca prisons to Greenough Prison prior to the riot in 2018.
The Inspector of Custodial Services show cause notice, released on Tuesday, highlighted Hakea Prison’s “strong parallels with warning signs present” with Greenough Regional Prison ahead of the riot, particularly sustained lockdowns, understaffing, and rising frustration and violence.
Ms Warr said the lessons learned from 2018 should have been applied to prisons statewide.
“We are nearly eight years removed from the riot at Greenough Regional Prison, yet we are no closer to our prison system improving,” she said.
“The pressure the prison system is under is not sustainable: the inspector said so himself.
“The Cook Labor Government needs to explain why lessons haven’t been learned and why changes have not occurred.”
Following questions raised by Ms Warr during Budget Estimates in May where the Minister deflected from providing clear responses, Ms Warr urged the Premier to ensure the recommendations from the 2025 Inspector’s report into Greenough Prison are fully implemented as a matter of priority.
“There were nine recommendations made by the inspector, of which seven were supported by the Government,” she said.
“These are important and considered measures to ensure Greenough Prison can run safely. Anything less would further compromise public safety,” she said.
“My office continues to seek updates to where these recommendations are at, and a timeline for their implementation.”