URGENT UPDATE: Overcrowding in Western Australia’s prison system has reached a critical point, prompting authorities to release inmates within 30 days of completing their sentences. This unprecedented move comes as the Department of Justice braces for potential violence during the festive season.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce has activated a clause in the Prisons Act 1981, allowing the early discharge of low-risk inmates to alleviate pressure on overcrowded facilities. The state’s prisons, designed to hold 7,300 inmates, are currently housing over 8,500, with maximum security facilities like Hakea and Casuarina particularly strained.
“Careful use of this provision relieves pressure on prison facilities and helps keep everyone safe,” said Mr. Royce. The early release program excludes inmates convicted of serious crimes, including murder, sexual offences, and gun-related offenses.
As the holiday season approaches, authorities anticipate a surge in arrests linked to increased alcohol-fueled violence and family conflicts, exacerbating the situation. With courts closed for the holidays, detainees awaiting bail will face extended periods in remand, further straining prison resources.
Shadow Corrective Services Minister Adam Hort criticized the government’s response, calling it a “farce.” He stated, “Some of WA’s worst offenders are being let out early for Christmas, all because this Government has completely mismanaged our prison system.” Hort’s remarks highlight growing concerns about community safety amid rising inmate releases.
To address these challenges, the Cook Government has allocated $181.1 million for an expansion of Acacia Prison, which is expected to add 320 beds by 2029. Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia defended the early release process as a long-standing operational practice, emphasizing commitments to modernize facilities that support rehabilitation and reduce re-offending.
The Department of Justice estimates that approximately 15 inmates will be released early each month under the new emergency protocol. This move raises significant concerns about public safety and the capacity of the prison system to manage its growing population.
With the potential for unrest during the festive season looming, the situation remains fluid. Officials are urging the public to stay informed as developments unfold, particularly in light of expected increases in crime during this volatile period.
As the community grapples with these changes, the implications for safety and justice in Western Australia are profound. The early release of inmates, while aimed at easing overcrowding, raises critical questions about the balance between rehabilitation, public safety, and the management of the state’s correctional facilities.
