PUBLIC MEETING 27 Jan- Prison Overcrowding

Calling all concerned members of the community to join the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (WA) inc's call for action to address the current prison overcrowding crisis on the 2nd anniversary of death of Mr Ward in the back of a government owned, and G4S operated, prison van.

Successive state governments have wrongly discarded the interests of the community in the treatment of prisoners and their administration of the justice system.

The currently State Government seems to be forgetting that once a prisoner finishes their sentence, they will be released back into the community. If a prisoner is released back into the community without having undergone rehabilitative programs or traumatised by their prison experience – is that going to benefit the community? We think not.

Prison overcrowding is bad for the whole community, not just for prisoners.

Why? In an overcrowded, under-resourced prison there are:

·         Less rehabilitation (drug, alcohol, domestic violence) and education opportunities for prisoners, and restrictions on privileges for good behaviour.

·         Limited access to healthcare services.

·         Fewer opportunities for family visits and to remain in contact with family.

·         Increased tension within the prisons, leading to an increase in violence incidents, sexual assaults, and potential for riots.

·         Human rights breaches and increased chance of a death in custody.

Mr Barnett & Mr Porter - do dangerously overcrowded prisons make WA a safer place?

DATE:         Wed 27 Jan

TIME:          6 – 8pm

VENUE: State Teachers Union Function Room, 3^rd floor, 150 – 152 Adelaide Tce, East Perth.

Speakers include:

Rev Sealin Garlett (Noongar Community), Dot Henry (Noongar Community), Adele Carles MP (Greens), John Welsh (Prison Officers Union) and Marc Newhouse (DICWC).

(Parking at rear: access off Bennett St or park on Adelaide Tce)

Flyer will be available for download below.