Improvements provided under the new five-year contract include more offender programs, services to Aboriginal prisoners and enhanced performance measures for Serco.
The agreement also combines operational services and facilities maintenance under the one contractor providing a more streamlined arrangement for total prison management.
The latest report by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (OICS) found the Department’s Private Prison Contract Management branch had strong oversight of the agreement.
The majority of the OICS recommendations relate to the delivery of prisoner services, which fall under Serco’s contractual responsibility.
The Department will oversee the company’s implementation of the recommendations, or where they are not accepted, will ensure service delivery meets or exceeds Departmental requirements.
Corrective Services Commissioner Mike Reynolds said the Department conducts regular compliance testing at Acacia.
“Serco is expected to maintain a high standard of service in support of the Department's commitment to prisoner welfare and rehabilitation.”
The Department notes Acacia was also significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic when quarantine and isolation requirements impacted staffing and out of cell hours for prisoners.
“While measures were necessary to prevent the spread of infection, the Department and Serco are working to reinstate activities and services as WA Health advice permits,” Commissioner Reynolds said.
“The health and safety of staff, prisoners, their family, friends and visitors to the facility take priority.”
Services at the internal creche will resume now that health restrictions have eased.
The Department supports or supports in principle most of the report’s twelve recommendations.
It does not support the assertion that a review is needed to ensure adequate staff numbers for Acacia to operate safely.
Staffing requirements are set out in the agreement with Serco, and the company is regularly monitored for compliance.
The Department said it would also continue to assess the performance of Serco in its continuing effort to improve, where necessary, service delivery
