- At the time of the inspection, Unit 3 (the earned privileges accommodation for men) was closed and Unit 5 (the transitional unit) had never been commissioned. This undermined the independent living service delivery model and reduced independent living opportunities for men.
- Recruitment and retention of custodial and non-custodial staff remains a major issue. At the time of the inspection the number of uniformed officers seeking to leave surpassed the number of new recruits.
- There were allegations of abuse and bullying among the staff. This is never acceptable, and prison management needs to work constructively to build a positive staff culture.
- The infrastructure of the prison was generally good and fit for purpose. However, the Crisis Care Unit was an exception. It was a cold, sterile, non-therapeutic environment.
- Mattresses continued to be an issue for the prisoners. New higher quality mattresses should be issued.
- Senior officers rotated through Reception working only two or three days in a row. This was not long enough to establish a staff routine nor to take ownership of the area and seek improvements.
- Primary health care had improved with doctor services and ancillary services being provided more regularly; however dental services remained inadequate.
- Mental Health Services were poor, being totally reliant on primary health staff, fly-in-fly-out psychiatrists, tele-health consultations and the prisons At Risk Assessment System (ARMS).
- E-Visits were operating well. It also worked well for courts, medical services, contact with lawyers, programs, treatment assessments and education. However, the E-visits, video link and court suite rooms were not sound proof and compromised confidentiality and privacy.
- The prisoner telephone system was not working well, causing a lot of angst among the prisoners.
- Improved communication was needed to ensure that prisoners understood the assessment processes.
- Officers were able to write negative comments about prisoners into the TOMS database (offender notes). These notes may then be used in an assessment process or a parole report. If offender notes are to be used for any administrative decision making, then they should be subject to natural justice, including the right of reply.
- There was a significant backlog of IMPs and Assessments. Additional resources have been allocated to the area, and some eligibility requirements have been modified. We are starting to see improvement, but a backlog still exists.
- Some treatment assessments were being conducted by telephone. Prisoners from remote locations are disadvantaged by this practice. Treatment assessments should be undertaken in person rather than over the phone.
- Basic adult education was popular however further education was limited.
- Education classes were no longer mixed.
- Released prisoners, including those who have been on remand, can find themselves stranded in Kalgoorlie. Homelessness, alcohol or drug use, and lack of funds increase the risk of offending behaviour, arrest and further imprisonment. This is a complex problem requiring engagement of a range of stakeholders to resolve.
- Women’s support and services had improved; however, offender treatment programs remained absent due to low participant numbers.
- A small group of staff were unsupportive of the women, with female prisoners experiencing stark contrasts in their day with less supportive staff in their Unit.
- All staff working in prisons that accommodate female prisoners should be required to undertake Working with Women training.