Acacia is a Western Australian medium-security prison for adult males managed by a private operator under contract with the Department.
OICS said in its inspection report that Acacia had recovered well after a riot and fires caused significant damage to the facility in 2022 and 2023 and consequent disruption to operations.
“Most of the credit for this rests with the leadership, operational management and staff at Acacia who worked extraordinarily hard to keep the prison operating and provide meaningful services for prisoners,” it said.
With rebuilding work almost complete, affected prison industries areas would reopen shortly and help generate further employment, education and training opportunities and free up other infrastructure.
OICS said it was impressed with a number of “innovative” initiatives that had been established at Acacia, notably cultural and support service networks tailored to different cohorts of prisoners.
These initiatives included a young adult community program, which offered younger people in custody classes and activities facilitated by a team of peer mentors, and additional care for high-needs prisoners.
OICS also found Acacia prisoners had reliable access to health services and improved health outcomes and the prison had continued high levels of criminogenic program delivery.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said Acacia contractor Serco was focused on the needs of prisoners and staff, the security of prison operations and good governance.
“It is pleasing to note OICS is recognising the innovation demonstrated by senior management at the same time as refurbishment of the damaged residential unit and industries blocks took place,” he said.
“We expect Serco to maintain a high level of supports and service provision at Acacia in accordance with the contract and the Department's commitment to prisoner safety, wellbeing and rehabilitation.
“The State’s adult male prison estate is also to be commended for successfully pivoting to accommodate displaced prisoners as Acacia tackled the loss of bed capacity arising from the damage to the facility.”
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