❓ Hon Giz Watson questions the Minister for Justice regarding a potential increase in the incarceration rate of Aboriginal women at Nyandi, and the Minister responds with data and outlines initiatives to address disproportionate imprisonment.
AnsweredQoN 1067Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) In the twelve months from March 2002 to March 2003 has incarceration of Aboriginal women at Nyandi increased by 30%?
(2) What is the cause of this dramatic increase?
(3) In the months since March 2003 is this trend continuing?
(4) What, if anything, is the Minister doing to reduce the disproportionate imprisonment of indigenous women?
(2) What is the cause of this dramatic increase?
(3) In the months since March 2003 is this trend continuing?
(4) What, if anything, is the Minister doing to reduce the disproportionate imprisonment of indigenous women?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 September 2003
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for Justice
Response time
29 days
(1) No. The daily average population of Aboriginal women at Nyandi increased from 7.87 persons in March 2002 to 9.06 persons in March 2003. This increase of 1.19 persons represents a 15% increase. (2) This increase does not represent a dramatic increase in the population of Aboriginal women at Nyandi. This shift in daily average population is within the normal range of fluctuation that occurs in the ongoing operation of the prison. The usual population of Aboriginal women in Nyandi fluctuates between four (4) and eleven (11) women. (3) Since March 2003, the daily average population of Aboriginal women at Nyandi has decreased to 5.74 persons in July 2003. (4) Initiatives of the Reducing Imprisonment Program, combined with initiatives aimed at increasing the wellbeing of female Aboriginal offenders while in prison, and initiatives of the Re-entry reform will contribute toward a reduction in repeat offending behaviour. In the short term (two to three years), the Government’s goal is to shift the focus from imprisonment to community-based sanctions for low-risk short-term offenders. Key reforms that will contribute to a reduction in the rate of Aboriginal women in prison include: 1. Legislative Reforms a. Abolish prison sentences of six months or less for minor crimes; b. Expand community-based options, including community work program; and c. Enable low-risk, short-term prisoners access to parole options. 2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
(2) This increase does not represent a dramatic increase in the population of Aboriginal women at Nyandi. This shift in daily average population is within the normal range of fluctuation that occurs in the ongoing operation of the prison. The usual population of Aboriginal women in Nyandi fluctuates between four (4) and eleven (11) women. (3) Since March 2003, the daily average population of Aboriginal women at Nyandi has decreased to 5.74 persons in July 2003. (4) Initiatives of the Reducing Imprisonment Program, combined with initiatives aimed at increasing the wellbeing of female Aboriginal offenders while in prison, and initiatives of the Re-entry reform will contribute toward a reduction in repeat offending behaviour. In the short term (two to three years), the Government’s goal is to shift the focus from imprisonment to community-based sanctions for low-risk short-term offenders. Key reforms that will contribute to a reduction in the rate of Aboriginal women in prison include: 1. Legislative Reforms a. Abolish prison sentences of six months or less for minor crimes; b. Expand community-based options, including community work program; and c. Enable low-risk, short-term prisoners access to parole options. 2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
(3) Since March 2003, the daily average population of Aboriginal women at Nyandi has decreased to 5.74 persons in July 2003. (4) Initiatives of the Reducing Imprisonment Program, combined with initiatives aimed at increasing the wellbeing of female Aboriginal offenders while in prison, and initiatives of the Re-entry reform will contribute toward a reduction in repeat offending behaviour. In the short term (two to three years), the Government’s goal is to shift the focus from imprisonment to community-based sanctions for low-risk short-term offenders. Key reforms that will contribute to a reduction in the rate of Aboriginal women in prison include: 1. Legislative Reforms a. Abolish prison sentences of six months or less for minor crimes; b. Expand community-based options, including community work program; and c. Enable low-risk, short-term prisoners access to parole options. 2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
(4) Initiatives of the Reducing Imprisonment Program, combined with initiatives aimed at increasing the wellbeing of female Aboriginal offenders while in prison, and initiatives of the Re-entry reform will contribute toward a reduction in repeat offending behaviour. In the short term (two to three years), the Government’s goal is to shift the focus from imprisonment to community-based sanctions for low-risk short-term offenders. Key reforms that will contribute to a reduction in the rate of Aboriginal women in prison include: 1. Legislative Reforms a. Abolish prison sentences of six months or less for minor crimes; b. Expand community-based options, including community work program; and c. Enable low-risk, short-term prisoners access to parole options. 2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
In the short term (two to three years), the Government’s goal is to shift the focus from imprisonment to community-based sanctions for low-risk short-term offenders. Key reforms that will contribute to a reduction in the rate of Aboriginal women in prison include: 1. Legislative Reforms a. Abolish prison sentences of six months or less for minor crimes; b. Expand community-based options, including community work program; and c. Enable low-risk, short-term prisoners access to parole options. 2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
(2) This increase does not represent a dramatic increase in the population of Aboriginal women at Nyandi. This shift in daily average population is within the normal range of fluctuation that occurs in the ongoing operation of the prison. The usual population of Aboriginal women in Nyandi fluctuates between four (4) and eleven (11) women. (3) Since March 2003, the daily average population of Aboriginal women at Nyandi has decreased to 5.74 persons in July 2003. (4) Initiatives of the Reducing Imprisonment Program, combined with initiatives aimed at increasing the wellbeing of female Aboriginal offenders while in prison, and initiatives of the Re-entry reform will contribute toward a reduction in repeat offending behaviour. In the short term (two to three years), the Government’s goal is to shift the focus from imprisonment to community-based sanctions for low-risk short-term offenders. Key reforms that will contribute to a reduction in the rate of Aboriginal women in prison include: 1. Legislative Reforms a. Abolish prison sentences of six months or less for minor crimes; b. Expand community-based options, including community work program; and c. Enable low-risk, short-term prisoners access to parole options. 2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
(3) Since March 2003, the daily average population of Aboriginal women at Nyandi has decreased to 5.74 persons in July 2003. (4) Initiatives of the Reducing Imprisonment Program, combined with initiatives aimed at increasing the wellbeing of female Aboriginal offenders while in prison, and initiatives of the Re-entry reform will contribute toward a reduction in repeat offending behaviour. In the short term (two to three years), the Government’s goal is to shift the focus from imprisonment to community-based sanctions for low-risk short-term offenders. Key reforms that will contribute to a reduction in the rate of Aboriginal women in prison include: 1. Legislative Reforms a. Abolish prison sentences of six months or less for minor crimes; b. Expand community-based options, including community work program; and c. Enable low-risk, short-term prisoners access to parole options. 2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
(4) Initiatives of the Reducing Imprisonment Program, combined with initiatives aimed at increasing the wellbeing of female Aboriginal offenders while in prison, and initiatives of the Re-entry reform will contribute toward a reduction in repeat offending behaviour. In the short term (two to three years), the Government’s goal is to shift the focus from imprisonment to community-based sanctions for low-risk short-term offenders. Key reforms that will contribute to a reduction in the rate of Aboriginal women in prison include: 1. Legislative Reforms a. Abolish prison sentences of six months or less for minor crimes; b. Expand community-based options, including community work program; and c. Enable low-risk, short-term prisoners access to parole options. 2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
In the short term (two to three years), the Government’s goal is to shift the focus from imprisonment to community-based sanctions for low-risk short-term offenders. Key reforms that will contribute to a reduction in the rate of Aboriginal women in prison include: 1. Legislative Reforms a. Abolish prison sentences of six months or less for minor crimes; b. Expand community-based options, including community work program; and c. Enable low-risk, short-term prisoners access to parole options. 2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
2. Diversionary Reforms a. Expand a range of diversionary programs for specific needs offenders to ensure programs are more relevant and culturally appropriate. The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
The Department has allocated $2.24 million to establish a new re-entry coordination service in every prison throughout the State. A specific service for women will be developed in the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
A Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Services (2002–2005) for WA prisons, embraces new ways of working with Aboriginal people. Actions include: - Providing accommodation options at all prisons housing women that offer privacy and attend to their unique and diverse needs, including accommodating them within their homelands, where possible; and - Developing physical and mental health care strategies. A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
A new Women’s Custodial Services directorate provides high-level guidance and ensures initiatives are coordinated in line with a philosophy based on the notion of respect and integrity in prisoners. This allows, for the first time, the direction of services to women prisoners at Bandyup, Nyandi, Greenough, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Roebourne to be coordinated through a central office.
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