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❓ Question regarding the implementation of Coroner's recommendations for Aboriginal mental health workers in WA prisons following the death of Jayden Stafford Bennell. The answer reveals that no such workers are currently employed and cites ongoing discussions about transferring prison health services to the Department of Health.

AnsweredQoN 438Legislative Council

Asked

31 October 2017

Member

Hon Alison Xamon

Portfolio

Corrective Services

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to recommendations made by the Coroner as a result of the inquest into the death of Jayden Stafford Bennell regarding the engagement of Aboriginal mental health workers to form part of the mental health team in prisons, and I ask:
(a) how many Aboriginal mental health workers are currently employed at correctional facilities; and
(b) if none, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

6 December 2017

Responded by

Minister for Environment representing the Minister for Corrective Services

Response time

10 days

(a) Nil (b) The Departments of Justice and Health, together with the Mental Health Commission, are working together to determine if there would be better health outcomes for offenders and greater efficiencies and professional support to staff if Prison Health transferred to the Department of Health.

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