WA eyes COVID quarantine facility for prison conversion amid inmate surge

The Western Australian government is exploring a novel solution to its escalating prison population crisis: repurposing the vacant Bullsbrook COVID-19 quarantine facility into a correctional center. Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia confirmed the investigation into the site's potential conversion, citing an "unprecedented" 38% increase in the state's inmate numbers over the past two-and-a-half years, largely driven by remand cases related to family and domestic violence. The 500-bed facility, situated on Commonwealth land about 40 kilometers northeast of Perth, was completed in 2022 but has seen minimal use since then.

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Shelter WA said that site is not suitable for rough sleepers because it's in the middle of nowhere, effectively. Conversely, that might make it a good place for a prison.

While the government views the remote location, previously deemed unsuitable for rough sleepers, as potentially advantageous for a prison, the idea is not without its critics. The WA Prison Officers' Union has voiced significant reservations, arguing that the facility's design may not be adequate for housing a substantial number of inmates. Union secretary Andy Smith expressed concerns about the suitability of the site, suggesting the government has been slow to address the need for purpose-built correctional infrastructure.

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What's happened in the last two-and-a-half years is we have massively increased the number of people in our prisons, mostly on remand for mostly family and domestic violence offences. That's resulted in a 38 per cent increase in the prison population ... people say unprecedented a lot, but that really is unprecedented.

Adding another layer of complexity, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has also shown interest in the Bullsbrook site, reportedly discussing its use as a training facility. Documents indicate the AFP has made modifications to the site, including converting a warehouse into a gym. The WA government is reportedly in discussions with federal counterparts to secure the facility, but Minister Papalia declined to comment on ongoing negotiations. The government acknowledges that no quick fixes exist, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive infrastructure plan for the entire prison estate while continuing to evaluate the quarantine center's viability as a correctional facility.

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If we're in discussions, we'll talk about them when they're complete.