Public meeting in Badgingarra to canvass community feedback on new work camp

15/12/97

The Ministry of Justice will hold a public meeting in Badgingarra tonight to canvass community feedback on a new minimum-security, adult offender work camp in the area.

Attorney General Peter Foss said the Ministry hoped to use one of its existing properties - Warramia Farm - to set up a work camp similar to that in Walpole in the State's South.

The Walpole camp is scheduled to start early in the new year and has been endorsed by the local people throughout an extensive community consultation process.

Mr Foss said the Ministry wanted feedback from the Badgingarra community on a proposal to use Warramia as a base from which to complete local work projects as well as work associated with the running of the farm.

"The proposal is part of a plan to expand prisoner contribution to communities across the State," the Minister said.

"Warramia was previously used as a facility for juvenile detainees but we believe it would be better used as a running farm and work camp base.

"The public meeting is part of the process of canvassing the views of residents, to explain the concept and seek suggestions on possible work projects that might benefit the area."

Mr Foss said that as in Walpole, the farm would function as a live-in work camp - with eight minimum-security prisoners resident during weekdays - returning to Wooroloo Prison Farm on weekends.

"The Warramia proposal would involve a prisoner team made up of volunteers, strictly assessed on previous behaviour and work performance," he said.

"Only motivated, trusted prisoners who meet the strict requirements of a work camp environment would be afforded a chance to work outside their base prison.

"Work camps are a way of guaranteeing that prisoners give something practical and valuable back to the community, while also being trained in specific skills leading to an accredited Rural Workplace Certificate.

"Minimum security prisoners are on the last rung before release and an opportunity like work camp placement would be considered a privilege."

Mr Foss said any work camp prison staff would be experienced self-starters chosen for their management, motivational and training skills.

Feedback from the public meeting will be reviewed by the Ministry and if favourable, will lead to the establishment of a local Community Consultative Committee to develop the proposal further.

Media contact: Chris Morris (08) 9321 2222