Cook Government rejects inquiry into ‘entirely unacceptable’ conditions at Hakea prison

Inhumane conditions within Hakea Prison which have left inmates without showers or access to fresh air won’t be put under the microscope for scrutiny with the Cook Government rejecting an independent probe. A public inquiry into the operations of the facility was a key recommendation made by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (OICS), Eamon Ryan, after his report into the “entirely unacceptable” conditions was tabled in state parliament on Tuesday. “Men at Hakea are still being held in conditions that do not meet the basic level of decent treatment required under national and international human rights and standards,” Mr Ryan wrote. “There is limited evidence available to me to show that the significant system level reform and change needed is likely to be achieved.” The Inspector said the need for an inquiry was “the most important” recommendation made in the 27-page report to identify solutions that restore prisoners rights, normalise daily prison routine, and create a safe workplace for staff. Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia confirmed to The West the government had rejected the recommendation and wouldn’t hold an inquiry. “The Corrective Services Commissioner has established a taskforce in response to the issues identified in the OICS report,” Mr Papalia said in a statement. “The taskforce has already helped to boost staff and provide short term relief for prisoner management.” In response to the Government’s decision, Inspector Eamon Ryan said: “I made the recommendation in the hope that there would be an escalation in the scale of response to the problems we have identified. Whether or not to accept the recommendation is a matter for government.” Shadow corrective services minister Adam Hort said the opposition supported the recommendation for an inquiry and for the terms of reference to be expanded into a system-wide review. “One of the biggest drivers of re-offending is a broken prison system. Minister Papalia’s refusal to hold an inquiry is indefensible,” Mr Hort said. “This is bigger than Hakea. We’ve seen it in Derby with prison riots, and in Greenough with an alleged hostage plot. It’s about a justice system releasing people back into our community angrier, sicker and more likely to re-offend, and that demands a system-wide response.” Mr Hort said a broader inquiry needed the scope to look beyond corrective service and cover courts, bail, rehabilitation, housing, and health. “The prison watchdog reported inhumane conditions, international human rights breaches, and escalating threats to staff, the Minister’s only response is to shut the door on scrutiny,” he said. “What exactly is the Minister hiding? “Papalia knows the system is broken, but instead of confronting that truth through a proper inquiry, he’s choosing to keep the public in the dark.” Minister Papalia confirmed the government had completed a long-term custodial infrastructure plan to meet current and future demand. It is under consideration by the government.