Private industry is being invited to work with Western Australia’s Corrective Services to develop innovative solutions to focused problems that could create new economic opportunities.
It is part of the McGowan Government’s Market-led Proposal initiative to encourage the private sector to look at ways of stimulating the economy following the announcement of the Government’s $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.
The opportunities for working with Western Australia’s prisons, work camps and prison farms could include investments in infrastructure, equipment and facilities to increase the efficiency, productivity, safety and profitability of existing prison industries.
The Department of Justice has released a Problem and Opportunity Statement that specifically identifies some of the following as opportunities:
- recycling of waste products;
- provision of facilities management/maintenance;
- product assembly and disassembly;
- pre-fabrication/construction (demountable buildings and structures);
- metal and/or wood shop manufacturing;
- nursery production;
- laundry services;
- clothing/fabric production; and
- printing and signage.
The department will work with respondents on any issues of competitiveness and how proposed solutions and initiatives would work within the legislative framework for prison operations.
As stated by Corrective Services Minister Francis Logan:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage off the existing industries in our prisons, work camps and prison farms or to create new innovations that would help stimulate our economy.
“Prison industries have been in place for some time now so the department is aware of issues over competitiveness and security issues.
“But putting prisoners to work or providing new skills has shown repeatedly that it can change lives and turn previous offenders into contributing members of our society on release.
“I would strongly encourage the private sector to think hard about the benefits of putting more prisoners to work or how they could use their skills and possible infrastructure to address existing problems.
“I think many in the private sector would be surprised at the current level of prison industries and what could be achieved with some innovative thinking.”
