❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses overcrowding and conditions at Bandyup Women's Prison, including double bunking, mattress quality, and access to facilities. The Minister's response provides data and outlines measures to alleviate the issues.
AnsweredQoN 4087Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) how many women are currently being "double bunked" at Bandyup Prison? (2) what is the criteria used to determine which prisoners will be double bunked? (3) are the recommendations of qualified clinical psychiatrists taken into account when determining which prisoners will be double bunked? (4) can the Minister please explain why the decision was made to remove all inner-spring mattresses from Bandyup Prison? (5) from where were replacement mattresses sourced? (6) were the replacement mattresses new or previously used? (7) if used, what steps were taken to ensure that they were hygienically cleaned? (8) are any prisoners currently sleeping on mattresses on the floor of their cells, and if so, why? (9) what corresponding facilities have been increased as a result of the higher than normal muster of prisoners i.e. showering facilities, access to telephones? (10) how many prisoners are currently receiving counseling as a result of cell-sharing? (11) what measures have been put in place to reduce the prison population at Bandyup Prison?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 June 2015
Responded by
Minister for Corrective Services
Response time
34 days
(1) As at 14 May 2015, the population at Bandyup was 315. Of these 210 were double bunked in 105 cells or rooms (Unit 5 and 7 have rooms as opposed to cells).
(2) A "Multiple Cell Occupancy Risk Assessment" checklist is completed with all prisoners on arrival into custody. This is revised whenever the prisoner's circumstances change. The Checklist takes into account security, safety and risk considerations.
(3) Yes. Any concerns are referred to the Prisoners At Risk Group (PRAG) and addressed accordingly. As at 14 May 2015, the Bandyup chairperson of PRAG confirmed that there were no current issues of this nature under consideration.
(4) A small number of inner spring mattresses were purchased in excess of 10 years ago for issue to self-care units. It has been established that they are not fire retardant.
(5) Mattresses are made in Albany Regional Prison and distributed through the prison supply chain.
(6) Mattresses are supplied new and unused before being issued to units.
(7) The mattresses are covered with a product called medi-cover (similar to the cover on mattresses used in hospitals), which is washable using a combination of high pressure water and an antiseptic. If soiling is identified, the mattress is first removed and replaced with another. Once removed, the level of soiling is determined. If the cover is soiled but not the mattress itself, the cover may be cleaned or replaced. If the mattress is soiled then it is disposed of.
(8) No.
(9) There is no capacity for additional shower facilities. In those units where there are shared ablution blocks, the unit routines have been amended to allow greater access to showers throughout the day. Additional telephones have been installed.
(10) As at 15 May 2015, Bandyup can confirm that it is not aware of any prisoners receiving counselling for this reason.
(11) There are several measures in place to increase accommodation options for female prisoners across the State:
· The Government has announced the establishment of a 256 bed women's remand facility at Hakea Prison.
· Conversion of 15 single bed cells at Greenough Regional Prison.
· Conversion of 10 single bed cells at the women's section of West Kimberley Regional Prison.
· The new Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison will accommodate 40 women plus a unit for 10 mothers and babies.
(2) A "Multiple Cell Occupancy Risk Assessment" checklist is completed with all prisoners on arrival into custody. This is revised whenever the prisoner's circumstances change. The Checklist takes into account security, safety and risk considerations.
(3) Yes. Any concerns are referred to the Prisoners At Risk Group (PRAG) and addressed accordingly. As at 14 May 2015, the Bandyup chairperson of PRAG confirmed that there were no current issues of this nature under consideration.
(4) A small number of inner spring mattresses were purchased in excess of 10 years ago for issue to self-care units. It has been established that they are not fire retardant.
(5) Mattresses are made in Albany Regional Prison and distributed through the prison supply chain.
(6) Mattresses are supplied new and unused before being issued to units.
(7) The mattresses are covered with a product called medi-cover (similar to the cover on mattresses used in hospitals), which is washable using a combination of high pressure water and an antiseptic. If soiling is identified, the mattress is first removed and replaced with another. Once removed, the level of soiling is determined. If the cover is soiled but not the mattress itself, the cover may be cleaned or replaced. If the mattress is soiled then it is disposed of.
(8) No.
(9) There is no capacity for additional shower facilities. In those units where there are shared ablution blocks, the unit routines have been amended to allow greater access to showers throughout the day. Additional telephones have been installed.
(10) As at 15 May 2015, Bandyup can confirm that it is not aware of any prisoners receiving counselling for this reason.
(11) There are several measures in place to increase accommodation options for female prisoners across the State:
· The Government has announced the establishment of a 256 bed women's remand facility at Hakea Prison.
· Conversion of 15 single bed cells at Greenough Regional Prison.
· Conversion of 10 single bed cells at the women's section of West Kimberley Regional Prison.
· The new Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison will accommodate 40 women plus a unit for 10 mothers and babies.
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