State Government announces major inquiry into WA's corrections system

24/3/05
Justice Minister John D'Orazio said he was appalled and disgusted by the revelations that prisoners had been permitted to make home brew at a maximum-security prison.
Mr D'Orazio said this latest debacle highlighted the desperate need for major reforms to overhaul the State's prison system and management of offenders.
"The public deserves better and major changes to the system are needed," he said.
"Within the next few days I will be announcing details of a major independent inquiry into the corrections system - a review that will provide a blueprint for the future."
The inquiry will examine the management of offenders in our prisons and in the community. It will also look at the Department of Justice to see what structural changes are required to ensure community and staff safety comes first in the management of offenders.
"We want to put community and staff safety first and the rehabilitation of offenders second," the Minister said.
Mr D'Orazio also announced today the first stage of the corrections reform process with the appointment of a new head of the State's Prison service.
Western Australian Police Assistant Commissioner Ian Johnson will take up the position for a period of six months. He will also oversee the court security and the prisoner transport contract with AIMS Corporation.
"Mr Johnson's impressive background and experience in Western Australia's justice system will provide the department's Prisons division with a clear forward direction," Mr D'Orazio said.
"He has a reputation as a tough, no-nonsense police officer and I am very pleased that he has accepted the challenge of managing the State's prison system.
"Mr Johnson's proven operational leadership and command abilities will steady the prison division as it continues the search for a permanent replacement."
Mr D'Orazio said he was finalising details of the inquiry including broad terms of reference and the involvement of specialist agencies such as the Inspector of Custodial Services.
"This inquiry is going to be the most comprehensive review of the State's corrections system that has ever been undertaken in this State," he said.
Minister's office: 9425 4250