❓ The Minister for Justice responds to a question regarding Acacia Prison's performance, criticising the previous government's privatisation policies and outlining steps taken to address shortcomings in the prison's management and services.
AnsweredQoN 1262Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Will the minister elaborate on the issues outlined in the Department of Justice annual report in relation to Acacia Prison, in particular Acacia’s recent financial penalty? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Swan Hills for the question, and for her interest in the prison system. The current Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison provides an opportunity to look at how the prison policy of the previous Government compares with that of this Government, and to examine how successful the concept of a private prison has been. I know the Leader of the Opposition and others have an obsession with privatisation, which they would like to pursue even further if, God forbid, they are ever re-elected. The model offered by Acacia Prison indicates what happens when a prison is privatised. For members opposite, this was not just about building a prison. They believed that Acacia would be their benchmark, their flagship, and the market leader in correctional practice. The previous Government said at the time that it would provide proof that its privatisation policies would work. If one were to believe the rhetoric of the former Government, Acacia would be the standard for all other prisons in Western Australia - contractually bound to deliver best practice. However, rather than set the standards in offender management programs, programs for Aboriginal people and prison management, we have seen that the result has been a lot different from the rhetoric. The Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison has continued to deliver - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I thank the member for Swan Hills for the question, and for her interest in the prison system. The current Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison provides an opportunity to look at how the prison policy of the previous Government compares with that of this Government, and to examine how successful the concept of a private prison has been. I know the Leader of the Opposition and others have an obsession with privatisation, which they would like to pursue even further if, God forbid, they are ever re-elected. The model offered by Acacia Prison indicates what happens when a prison is privatised. For members opposite, this was not just about building a prison. They believed that Acacia would be their benchmark, their flagship, and the market leader in correctional practice. The previous Government said at the time that it would provide proof that its privatisation policies would work. If one were to believe the rhetoric of the former Government, Acacia would be the standard for all other prisons in Western Australia - contractually bound to deliver best practice. However, rather than set the standards in offender management programs, programs for Aboriginal people and prison management, we have seen that the result has been a lot different from the rhetoric. The Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison has continued to deliver - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
I thank the member for Swan Hills for the question, and for her interest in the prison system. The current Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison provides an opportunity to look at how the prison policy of the previous Government compares with that of this Government, and to examine how successful the concept of a private prison has been. I know the Leader of the Opposition and others have an obsession with privatisation, which they would like to pursue even further if, God forbid, they are ever re-elected. The model offered by Acacia Prison indicates what happens when a prison is privatised. For members opposite, this was not just about building a prison. They believed that Acacia would be their benchmark, their flagship, and the market leader in correctional practice. The previous Government said at the time that it would provide proof that its privatisation policies would work. If one were to believe the rhetoric of the former Government, Acacia would be the standard for all other prisons in Western Australia - contractually bound to deliver best practice. However, rather than set the standards in offender management programs, programs for Aboriginal people and prison management, we have seen that the result has been a lot different from the rhetoric. The Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison has continued to deliver - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I thank the member for Swan Hills for the question, and for her interest in the prison system. The current Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison provides an opportunity to look at how the prison policy of the previous Government compares with that of this Government, and to examine how successful the concept of a private prison has been. I know the Leader of the Opposition and others have an obsession with privatisation, which they would like to pursue even further if, God forbid, they are ever re-elected. The model offered by Acacia Prison indicates what happens when a prison is privatised. For members opposite, this was not just about building a prison. They believed that Acacia would be their benchmark, their flagship, and the market leader in correctional practice. The previous Government said at the time that it would provide proof that its privatisation policies would work. If one were to believe the rhetoric of the former Government, Acacia would be the standard for all other prisons in Western Australia - contractually bound to deliver best practice. However, rather than set the standards in offender management programs, programs for Aboriginal people and prison management, we have seen that the result has been a lot different from the rhetoric. The Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison has continued to deliver - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
I thank the member for Swan Hills for the question, and for her interest in the prison system. The current Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison provides an opportunity to look at how the prison policy of the previous Government compares with that of this Government, and to examine how successful the concept of a private prison has been. I know the Leader of the Opposition and others have an obsession with privatisation, which they would like to pursue even further if, God forbid, they are ever re-elected. The model offered by Acacia Prison indicates what happens when a prison is privatised. For members opposite, this was not just about building a prison. They believed that Acacia would be their benchmark, their flagship, and the market leader in correctional practice. The previous Government said at the time that it would provide proof that its privatisation policies would work. If one were to believe the rhetoric of the former Government, Acacia would be the standard for all other prisons in Western Australia - contractually bound to deliver best practice. However, rather than set the standards in offender management programs, programs for Aboriginal people and prison management, we have seen that the result has been a lot different from the rhetoric. The Department of Justice annual report on Acacia Prison has continued to deliver - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The annual report shows that Acacia Prison was under performing in the very areas in which it was supposed to set a benchmark - education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and an indigenous health service. There are concerns about the management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievance, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners - Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Ms S.E. Walker: What are you doing about it? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: The Opposition does not like hearing about this. When I finish talking about the mess the Opposition has left - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: When I have finished talking about the mess created by the previous Government, which the Opposition seems to want to distract me from going through, keeping in mind that this contract was supposed to achieve all these fabulous outcomes, I will talk about what this Government is doing to turn the situation around. There was a lack of education and treatment programs, reparative work opportunities for prisoners and indigenous health services. There were concerns about management of security and intelligence issues, the high level of prisoner grievances, specific management needs for indigenous prisoners, the failure of management to adequately manage prisoner gratuities and the lack of job training for staff. In short, Acacia has failed to live up to the promises that those opposite made about private prisons doing it better. As usual, this Government has had to sort out the mess. Changes already implemented are the development of a formal anti-bullying strategy; the development of risk management plans and improved security processes; ongoing monitoring and progress of action plans derived from specialist monitor reviews; cultural awareness training for staff; and more streamlined contract information systems. A senior executive of the Australian Integration Management Services Corporation - AIMS - has been appointed to oversee the application of the prisons, court and custodial services contract. This is just another example of the track record of those opposite in privatisation. It is clear that this privatisation delivered no benefit to the community. In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
In talking about prisons policy, it is interesting to note the recent comments of the member for Nedlands regarding Broome Regional Prison during the debate on the Inspector of Custodial Services Bill. She claimed that no programs were available at Broome prison for women, which is simply not the case. Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Ms S.E. Walker: It was the superintendent at Broome who said that. Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Several members interjected. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS: I suggest that the member is misrepresenting what the superintendent of Broome prison said. Here are the facts. The Department of Justice advises that there is individual counselling for women in substance abuse and other issues through a psychologist at the prison, and women at the prison can also participate in group programs through the Milliya Rumurra organisation. People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
People opposite clearly do not know what they are talking about. They said that the contract they set in place would ensure best prison management. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, this Government has needed to bring Acacia into the prison system and put in place strategies to bring it up to an acceptable level of practice. Members opposite should read the report to see the failure. I am concerned that the comments of members opposite indicate that they have learned nothing from their failed privatisation experiment.
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