Independent report into Acacia Prison praises quality, innovative services

An independent report by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services into Acacia Prison has acknowledged the long-term outstanding performance of the facility and says the contract delivers value for money to the state. 

In the report, Inspector Eamon Ryan said: “Serco and its staff had, over nearly 13 years of operation, shown a dedication to innovation, flexibility and responsiveness. This resulted in services that were overall of a good standard for prisoners, getting value for the money for the state, and prompt reaction when problems or issues arose.” 

Mr Ryan found that services provided to prisoners at Acacia, including offender programs, peer support and innovation in employment options were of a high standard, and that the facility is “generally a stable and well-run prison”.

“Serco works hard to provide quality services and have shown to be innovative, agile and flexible in their operating model,” Mr Ryan said. 

Serco Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer Mark Irwin welcomed the report.

“Serco has a long-term commitment to supporting the Western Australian Government in their target to reduce reoffending,” he said. 

“We will maintain our core commitment to ensuring the security of Acacia Prison, the safety of staff, inmates and visitors, and working with the Department to deliver innovative services to reduce recidivism and achieve cost savings for the State.”

ENDS

Media contact: Tim Evans, +61 409 389 358
General media enquiries: Serco media line, +61 (0) 2 9409 8700 or [email protected]
 

For more information: https://www.oics.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Acacia-Media-release.pdf