A new report has laid bare a severe bottleneck crippling Western Australia's justice system, highlighting a dangerous mix of escalating prisoner numbers, critical staff shortages, and extensive court delays.
Critical Findings from the Inspector's Report
The report, tabled in State Parliament by Inspector of Custodial Services Eamon Ryan, paints a concerning picture of systemic pressure. It reveals that prisoner numbers in WA have surged by 13% over the past five years, significantly outpacing the growth in corrective services staff. This imbalance is creating unsustainable workloads and compromising safety.
Compounding the issue are severe delays in the court system. The report details that the average time for an offender to be sentenced after being found guilty in the District Court has blown out dramatically. For those held in custody, the wait now averages more than five months (158 days). Even offenders on bail face lengthy delays of over four months (129 days) before sentencing.
Staff Shortages and Unsafe Conditions
The staffing crisis is a central theme of the findings. The report notes that one in five prison officer positions remains unfilled, leading to excessive overtime, burnout, and increased risks for both staff and inmates. This chronic understaffing forces the system to rely heavily on lockdowns to manage operations, which reduces rehabilitation opportunities and heightens tensions.
Inspector Eamon Ryan did not mince words, stating the system is "under considerable pressure" and that the staffing shortage is the "single biggest issue" facing corrective services. The report, which covers the period up to June 2023, warns that these conditions make it difficult to provide safe, secure, and humane custody.
Government Response and Proposed Solutions
In response to the escalating crisis, the WA government has announced a significant funding injection. More than $600 million has been committed in the recent state budget to expand prison capacity. This includes funding for:
- An additional 256 beds at Casuarina Prison.
- A new 150-bed unit at Albany Regional Prison.
- Planning for a new 300-bed prison at the existing Karnet site.
Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia acknowledged the challenges outlined in the report, attributing part of the prisoner surge to the government's "tough-on-crime" stance and new legislation. He emphasised that the budget investments are a direct response to these growing pressures and are aimed at providing long-term solutions to overcrowding and staffing woes.
The report serves as a stark warning that without sustained action to recruit and retain staff while managing inmate populations, the safety and effectiveness of WA's entire justice system remain at serious risk.
