New prison for East Kimberley

New prison for East Kimberley

A just-released report recommends a new prison for either Kununurra or Wyndham and another near Derby.

WA Justice Minister John D'Orazio has released for public comment the Kimberley Aboriginal Reference Group's recommendations for the Kimberley Custodial Plan.

Mr D'Orazio said the group's report and the public response to it would have an important influence on the development of a new custodial plan for the region.

"This report makes a very telling point - in the Kimberley, Aboriginal people are my portfolio's core business," he said.

"At least 95 percent of prisoners in the Kimberley are Aboriginal.

"If custodial services in the Kimberley are to meet this government's priorities - ensuring community safety and reducing re-offending - they must respond to this reality.

"The reference group has taken a very broad approach to this challenge and made a comprehensive set of recommendations for the Government to consider."

The Minister said the report's key recommendations included:

ˇE two new prisons - one near Derby and one near either Kununurra or Wyndham;

ˇE closure of Broome Prison;

ˇE expansion of the Government's successful prison work camp program from two to five camps in the region;

ˇE more community-based options for managing both custodial sentences and community work orders; and

ˇE greater employment of Aboriginal people in prisons, community justice and the courts.

"Importantly, the report also recognises that reducing the rate of imprisonment of Aboriginal people is a key priority," Mr D'Orazio said.

"This objective will be helped by diverting minor offenders from prison through initiatives such as community work programs and a more effective response to fines defaulting.

"But reducing the incidence of crime is the most effective way to reduce imprisonment."

Local Member Carol Martin said the reference group had successfully addressed the major challenges facing the justice system in the region.

"Kimberley people have responded positively and strongly to this opportunity to have their voice heard in government decision-making," Mrs Martin said.

"This report creates the possibility for a justice system that will better serve the interests of all Kimberley residents."

Mr D'Orazio said the report would be open for public comment until 5pm on December 9.

The report would be widely advertised and available online athttp://www.justice.wa.gov.au or by calling Shane Hamilton at the Department of Justice on 08 9264 1497 or email shane.hamilton@justice.wa.gov.au.

The Minister thanked chairperson Peter Yu and members of the Kimberley Aboriginal Reference Group - Patrick Dodson, Dickie Bedford, Dawn Bessarab, Josie Farmer, George Hamilton, June Oscar, Ian Trust and Charlie Wright - for their work in preparing the report.

He said the committee had consulted with more than 400 people, throughout the Kimberley while preparing its report.