Acacia Prison has faced significant challenges in recent years

Acacia Prison (Acacia) is a Western Australian medium-security prison located in the Perth hills. It is operated by Serco Asia Pacific through a closely managed contract with the Department of Justice (the Department). At the time of our last inspection in November 2021, the current contract was just six months into operation. The contract bid, preparation, and implementation had unsettled operations at the prison and some contractual requirements had not been fully implemented. Recruitment had also suffered, and our inspection found there ‘was a constant and loud complaint from uniformed staff about staff shortages and the impacts of regular cross-deployments’ (OICS, 2023A, p. iii).

In December 2021, a new Director commenced, but within three months (February 2022), men in Kilo Block rioted. They caused such considerable damage to their residential unit it was closed, reducing Acacia’s capacity by 220. A fire started during the riot burnt down a large part of the Romeo industry block. Consequently, various prison industries were lost including the main metal, cabinet, and fabrication workshops. Staff were also greatly affected by these traumatic events, and some have not returned to work.

As 2022 progressed, some industrial activities were re-established in Hotel Block, including the transfer of laundry equipment. This was the industrial workshop used by people placed within Acacia’s two protection units (India and Juliet blocks). However, in January 2023, it too was destroyed by fire, although we note this fire does not appear to have been deliberately lit. Regardless, it caused further loss of industries and employment opportunities for those in custody.

The Hotel Block fire also forced closure of the adjacent Whiskey Block which was used for education, programs, and other services for people held in protection. To prevent them missing out on these opportunities, other areas of the prison were regularly closed to mainstream prisoners for the strict use of those held in protection.

Two other factors have heavily influenced Acacia since our last inspection: the tight employment market, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Western Australia has observed a labour shortage due to both the continuing mining boom and the pandemic. The former made recruitment of new staff especially difficult for Acacia, as it has in the public prison system, and lured many existing staff away to more attractive opportunities.

The pandemic affected prison operations significantly between mid-2020 and early 2023. Social visits for people in custody and their families were cancelled for many months and when restored, were strictly managed. Movements within the prison were also greatly limited, with extensive lockdowns, the loss of recreation, and reduced access to many other events and activities. Staff contact with people in custody during this period was also restricted and many newly trained staff did not experience normal levels of contact with those in custody.

innovation and recovery

In our first inspection report on Acacia Prison, the then Inspector stated:

“The establishment of a new private prison was intended not merely to provide more beds but also to promote efficiency, flexibility, and innovation in service delivery. The ultimate goal was system-wide improvement” (OICS, 2003, p. 83).

We have always sought to acknowledge innovation across the custodial estate, supporting good practice and encouraging other facilities to follow suit. As Acacia has evolved under its latest contract, we have been impressed by innovation observed in various areas. Yet, we are acutely aware of the setbacks and challenges the prison has experienced recently. We acknowledge areas where it is recovering and have identified areas where recovery is yet to fully occur. As such, twin themes of ‘innovation’ and ‘recovery’ were a useful lens for the current inspection.

Page last updated: July 28, 2025
163: Inspection of Acacia Prison