Work camp for young offenders to be set up NW of Laverton

7/9/94

Western Australia's first work camp for young offenders will be established 36 kilometres north-west of Laverton, on the fringe of the State's pastoral region.

Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes announced today that the pilot project would be situated about 16 kilometres west of Western Mining's Mount Windarra nickel mine.

Mrs Edwardes said the Laverton Shire, the Wongatha Wonganarra Aboriginal community and the station operator who leased the land, had all indicated their support for the project.

The work camp concept was just part of the State Government's comprehensive package of juvenile crime measures, reflecting the WA community's demand for action.  This package included specific young offenders legislation, a system of juvenile parole, expansion of juvenile justice teams State-wide, and the construction of a new juvenile detention centre at Canning Vale.

The Attorney General said the term 'boot camp' was an inappropriate title for the project because it implied a culture foreign to WA, and gave the impression of training for some military purpose.

The work camp would cater for offenders aged between 16 and 21 years and was for those sentenced to their first term of detention, or prison.

Appropriate offenders would be able to chose to take part in the work camp as an alternative to traditional detention.

Offenders convicted of serious violent crime or serious drug offences would not be eligible.

The camp would consist of several transportable buildings, including living units for offenders, toilets, shower and laundry, kitchen and dining, recreation, education and program areas, offices, storage, sleeping accommodation for staff and an enclosed vehicle compound for vehicles fitted with immobilisers.

"I am delighted with this site and am sure the project will have a lot to offer the Laverton community," Mrs Edwardes said.

"It was chosen after a lengthy selection process, involved negotiations with remote communities across the State, and is exactly what we were looking for, being an appropriate distance from the town, with power, water, an access road and even trees to provide shade."

The Attorney General said she was heartened by the support of the local shire and her discussions on the weekend with council representatives confirmed her view that Laverton would substantially benefit from the camp.

"Western Mining has indicated it will shortly wind down its mining operations in the Laverton area," she said.

"The work camp will boost the local economy at a time when the community will be needing extra support.

"I am sure there will be numerous meaningful community work projects which can involve the work camp offenders under strict supervision.  It will be their chance to give something back to the community while also learning valuable skills to enhance their employment prospects and self-esteem."

Mrs Edwardes said Ministry of Justice officials would be in Laverton next week for a community information evening, at which local people could obtain more information about the work camp and discuss community work proposals.

Media contact:  Ross Storey   321 1444   222 9595