A smoke-free pilot has commenced today at Bandyup Women’s Prison.
Cigarettes and tobacco products are no longer on sale to prisoners at the facility and have been listed among contraband items at the site.
Smoking within the Middle Swan grounds is now prohibited for all prisoners, visitors, contractors, and staff as part of a move to phase out smoking at all Western Australian custodial facilities.
The Cancer Council WA and Australian Council on Smoking and Health are supporting the move and will provide ongoing assistance to prisoners and staff at the site.
Ahead of the pilot, smoking reduction strategies were implemented, including support groups, education and health programs, and recreational activities.
Nicotine replacement therapies are being provided to prisoners and staff as an interim support measure.
Prisoners and staff found smoking may face disciplinary action, while visitors smuggling contraband could face criminal prosecution and a ban on visiting the site.
As stated by Corrective Services Minister Bill Johnston:
“The McGowan Government is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for people working in, visiting, and in the care of custodial facilities.
“We are giving prisoners an opportunity to quit and have a fresh start.
“Western Australia is lagging behind other Australian jurisdictions where smoking has already been successfully phased out in prisons.
“This pilot will inform the staged adoption of smoke-free policies at all facilities in the State.”
