Workers’ compensation has become a critical workforce and financial challenge for the Department of Justice, with Western Australia’s prison officers experiencing some of the highest serious claim rates in the country. Since 2019, nearly 3,900 claims have been lodged with psychological claims rising significantly and now accounting for a quarter of all claims. Psychological claims are typically more severe, costlier, and harder to resolve than physical injuries. High claim volumes and long recovery times are driving staff shortages, service disruptions, escalating overtime costs, and undermining both staff wellbeing and prisoner rehabilitation.
In response, the Department of Justice launched a Workers’ Compensation Strategy in 2021 with targeted funding. However, its implementation has fallen short. Caseloads remain unmanageable, digital systems are underdeveloped, and onsite support is minimal. Communication breakdowns, cultural tensions and mistrust between staff, management, and unions further complicate claims handling, with many seeing the system as more adversarial than supportive. While welfare initiatives have expanded, the absence of a structured early intervention program continues to hinder recovery and return to work outcomes. Without changes to resources, leadership, and workplace culture the Department risks an ongoing cycle of injury, attrition, and operational instability.