Despite a decade of uncertainty, the future of the new Broome Prison is still in doubt. Meanwhile, its Kimberley Aboriginal prisoner population has no access to education or therapeutic programs, and limited employment and recreation opportunities. Even structured cultural support has gone backwards.
The new kitchen is welcome, providing a healthy and varied diet but limited cultural food. Health centre staffing has improved, but custodial officer shortages close the centre frequently.
The strong leadership team and dedicated staffing group are doing their best despite regular shortages. In a commendable local initiative, the prison has engaged local service providers to provide voluntary courses to address family and domestic violence and drug and alcohol addictions.
We look forward to concrete decisions about the new Broome Prison.