• Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison (EGRP) has made substantial progress in the decade since the first inspection, which found a facility wholly unfit for purpose, prisoner sadness and anger, and staff frustration and apathy.
  • Each of the four subsequent inspections has found incremental improvement. There has been steady progression, with substantive managerial appointments, and the provision of adequate staff training on-site. The employment of five Aboriginal staff represents a positive development.
  • Current Departmental assessment tools have not facilitated the progression of Goldfields/Ngaanyatjarra prisoners out of more secure metropolitan prisons to minimum security at EGRP, and have restricted access to the Warburton work camp.
  • The prison has not had capacity to deliver certified training associated with restorative projects at the work camp.
  • Improved outcomes for female prisoners have been achieved in employment, education and recreation, and in the delivery of treatment and re-entry programs.
  • Although EGRP is working towards providing Aboriginal-centred region-specific throughcare, the perception amongst prisoners that their culture is not respected does persist.
  • The medical centre at EGRP has been significantly understaffed, and employs no Aboriginal workers. Poor practices have developed.
  • Although suicide and self-harm prevention strategies are in place, implementation suffers from health and counselling staffing problems, and a failure to involve peer support prisoners and the Aboriginal Visitors Scheme.
  • No Aboriginal Visitors Scheme or Elders group attends the prison, or represents community views on planning and service delivery.
  • Community engagement strategies are under development, despite the decision to delay establishment of an Aboriginal Services Committee.
  • Recreation and visits facilities, and the reception and orientation processes have improved.
Page last updated: April 22, 2014