Corrective Services

Does your local business, community group or someone you know need assistance? Corrective Services' prison industries may be able to help.

Prison industries produces  prisoner clothing, food and textiles for use within the prisons,  and  provides internal services such as laundry, cleaning, maintenance and catering which contributes to the commitment to self-sustainability.

Prison industries can partner with your local business to:

• provide opportunities to compete with imports.
• provide access to export opportunities and prevent manufacturing from going offshore.
• provide labour.
• help it become a small player in dominant or growing industries, where there is already a high degree of competition
• assist with start-up opportunities.

Prison Industries also take on contracts from external and charitable organisations, however, only accepting work that does not threaten  Western Australian businesses.

Prison Industries have completed work for a range of government agencies including constructing fire pits and picnic tables for the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and manufacturing clothing for the Department of Communities for children in care.  In addition, projects were completed for not-for profit organisations such as trolleys for Phoenix Athletics Club and a surf trailer for the Disabled Surfers Association.   

If you are interested in working with us, please contact via email at PrisonIndustries@justice.wa.gov.au

Two key focuses for the department are to be as self-sustainable as possible and make a positive difference in the lives of offenders and the community.

Prison industries do just that with prisoners producing item such as clothing, food, textiles and furniture, for use within the prison system also providing services including maintenance, laundry, cleaning, gardening and catering of meals.

Prisoners have a choice of working in a number of industries including but not restricted to the abattoir, dairy, bakery, laundry and, textiles, metal, and cabinet workshops.

Operating like any business, the industries provide a variety of goods to internal and external customers. Prisoners must apply to work in these areas, much like the process of winning a job. Once approved, prisoners develop vocational and educational skills, making them ready and qualified to find a job once they're released.

Most industries are connected to accredited TAFE courses and apprenticeships. To see what training courses are available to prisoners, refer to Education and employment services.

Prison industries also take on contracts from external and charitable organisations. However, they only accept work that does not threaten WA businesses. Prisoners also manufacture and repair items for donation including children’s clothing for children at risk cared for by the Department of Communities and study desks and bicycles for disadvantaged children for example.

If you are interested in working with us, refer to the Business with us section above.

Interstate transfers

All Australian States and Territories have corresponding law to allow the interstate transfer of prisoners.

In Western Australia, State sentenced prisoners can apply for an interstate prison transfer to a participating State or Territory under the welfare or legal provisions of the Prisoners (Interstate Transfer) Act 1983 (WA).

For State sentenced prisoners, they can request an application form from their prison Unit Manager who can provide assistance with the application process.

The application is considered by the WA Minister for Corrective Services, and if supported, the application is also forwarded to the appropriate Minister in the participating State or Territory. Both jurisdictions must consent to a transfer.

If the transfer is approved the prisoner will become subject to the laws in the State or Territory which they are transferring to.

Information regarding the interstate transfer process for Federal sentenced prisoners is available on the Attorney-General’s Department website.

International transfers

The International Transfer of Prisoners (ITP) scheme allows for sentenced prisoners in a foreign country to apply to transfer to their home country to serve the remainder of their sentence. These transfers require the consent of the Australian Attorney-General, WA Minister for Corrective Services (for State sentenced prisoners), Government of the foreign country, and the prisoner. Finalising applications for transfer to Australia can take some time, and in some cases can be years.

For prisoners requesting to be transferred to a WA prison, the prisoner or their family may be requested to pay the cost of the transfer.

The ITP Scheme is administered by the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department and further information can be found on their website.