Image of irrigation system for market gardens at Pardelup Prison Farm

Background

Founded in 1927, Pardelup Prison Farm suffered a temporary downgrade in 2002 to work camp status. It was reinstated in 2012 as a prison farm for 84 prisoners, and had taken on responsibility for the Walpole Work Camp, with a further capacity of 12. The first full inspection of Pardelup in 2012 had found a …

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Image of single cell accommodation at Pardelup

Conclusion

In 2015 Pardelup Prison Farm was the only prison in Western Australia providing facility wide single cell accommodation, and the only site without a secure perimeter fence. Prisoners were given trust, personal responsibility, and the opportunity for real work. Pardelup had benefited from stable management, tight budget control, sound local strategic planning, and a safe …

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Image of the Noongar outdoor cultural area

Key Findings

Pardelup had continued to develop since the 2012 inspection, with service delivery focused on training, employment, reparation and re-entry. The relaxed, open living environment was well suited to end-of-sentence preparation for reintegration into society. The prison had made improvements to infrastructure, had maintained tight budget control, and had continued the competent operation of traditional prison …

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Image of cattle and sheep in a field at Padelup Farm

Recommendations

Recommendation 1: The Department should undertake a cost-benefit analysis of agricultural production at its prisons, ensuring economic data is available to inform the development of coordinated agricultural industries planning across the estate. Recommendation 2: Pardelup should be permitted to retain a proportion of its farm revenues for reinvestment in that business. Recommendation 3: Pardelup should …

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