Practical work, vocational training and education programs undertaken by Karnet, Pardelup and Wooroloo Prison Farms’ prisoners provided them with meaningful rehabilitative and reintegrative opportunities.
“We were pleased to find the breadth of employment opportunities offered at the prison farms was far greater compared to those found in medium- and maximum-security facilities,” OICS said.
“There was also a good variety of education and training options available.”
After inspecting the three farms late last year, OICS noted Karnet was delivering 95 traineeships across 14 industry and trade categories and Pardelup 25 traineeships in half a dozen trades.
Karnet had put three groups of 10 Aboriginal men through the Carey Mining Certificate II in Surface Extraction in 2024, which was highly regarded by participants.
Some Wooroloo prisoners had completed the Breaking Through surface extraction and Tracks to Success railway courses linked to post-release employment.
Eligible prisoners residing at the farms could also work on approved projects and activities outside the prisons that contributed to gaining job skills and qualifications and giving back to the community.
These included bushfire mitigation and emergency support, general maintenance, landscaping, gardening, building restoration and clean-ups in the community.
OICS also recognised the good level of service by the farms’ health centres, peer support prisoners continuing to be an asset in managing prisoner welfare and Aboriginal prisoners indicating a good level of cultural supports.
Department Director General Kylie Maj said the three prison farms offered a positive rehabilitation and reintegration environment for people in custody approaching the end of their current sentences.
“The industry-relevant jobs experience as well as education and training in the latter stages of the prisoners’ incarceration journey provide valuable assistance for their return to society,” she said.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said the new Corrective Services Strategic Plan will underpin efforts to further enhance operations at the farms and future outcomes for prisoners.
“We now have a strong and clear platform to drive our commitment towards contributing to a safer Western Australia, reducing reoffending rates, helping to improve prisoners’ post-release prospects and maintaining staff and public safety,” he said.
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