Bandyup Women’s Prison is a complex and challenging prison. It holds an increasing number of remandees who are managed alongside sentenced prisoners. The prison holds women of all security levels, including those with cognitive impairment and extremely high mental health needs. Its population is up to 50 per cent Aboriginal, giving Bandyup the highest proportion …

Bandyup is the state’s primary and pivotal prison for women. Following the 2014 inspection, the Inspector characterised Bandyup as the most complex and neglected prison in the state. In recent years there has been massive investment in male prisons and very little investment in female prisons. This is despite the fact that the rate women’s …

The 2014 inspection of Bandyup found that the pessimism of the 2011 inspection report had been well founded. In the three years that passed, the numbers of female prisoners rose steadily and insufficient investment and resources were directed to the women’s custodial estate. As a result, Bandyup’s infrastructure, services, and staff are increasingly under pressure. …

Reccommendation 1: The Department should ensure that Bandyup’s practices and procedures align with Departmental strategic policy documents relating to women in prison, and that all its employees are aware of its core values and expectations. There should be an action plan to address deficiencies. Recommendation 2: The Department institute a ‘lessons learned’ exercise arising out …