134: Inspection of Bunbury Regional Prison

Bunbury Regional Prison (Bunbury) opened in 1971 and comprised three accommodation units (Units 1, 2 and 3). Unit 5 was added a decade later as a minimum-security unit located just outside the main prison for up to 37 prisoners. In November 2008, a 72-bed Pre-release Unit (PRU) opened, which has increased to 144 beds to …

Since our last inspection three years ago Bunbury has successfully navigated a significant period of change and disruption. This included the construction of a 160-bed accommodation unit within the secure perimeter, which was managed without incident. The expansion project also included major kitchen refurbishments, the installation of a dining facility in Unit 2, two new …

Additional infrastructure had created more medium- and minimum-security beds A new 160 bed medium-security unit had been built within the prison perimeter; and an old minimum-security unit had re-opened for 37 minimum-security prisoners The management team was stable, experienced, and had grown to manage the additional prisoners The team provided good leadership during the Covid-19 …

Recommendation 1 The Department must provide support for local management in their efforts to have the identified Unit 6 defects addressed and fixed. Recommendation 2 Reinvigorate the Aboriginal Services’ Committee to increase accountability and confidence in its processes. Recommendation 3 Provide more opportunities and support for foreign national prisoners. Recommendation 4 Develop and implement a …