Hon. Louise Kingston questions the Minister for Corrective Services regarding reduced visiting hours and COVID screens at Albany Regional Prison, citing staffing issues. The Minister's response indicates visitation times are as stated on the website and there are no plans to remove screens.

AnsweredQoN 1357Legislative Council
Asked
5 November 2024
Portfolio
Corrective Services

QuestionView source ↗

ALBANY REGIONAL PRISON — VISITORS
1357. Hon LOUISE KINGSTON to the minister representing the
Minister for Corrective Services:
As the minister is no doubt aware, the social and emotional
wellbeing of prisoners benefits immensely from being able to have regular visits from friends and family. It has recently
been brought to my attention that Albany Regional Prison has
considerably reduced the availability of visit time slots with the reason that
it was short staffed, which makes it incredibly difficult to get a booking and
having to book weeks in advance. I understand that a recent intake of officers
has commenced at Albany Regional Prison.
(1) When will
visiting hours be reinstated as published on the corrective services, Albany
Regional Prison webpage?
(2) When will
the COVID screens be removed from the visitors' tables, as they have
been in other prisons already?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question. The Department of Justice advises the following.
(1) Albany
Regional Prison's visitation times, as stated on the website, are 4.00
pm to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, and weekends, 9.00 am to 11.00 am and 1.00 pm
to 3.00 pm. On occasion, ARP may be required to cancel social visits for
operational reasons, to maintain the safety and security of the prison.
(2) There are currently no plans to remove the screens.

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