Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services praises Serco’s innovative approach to enhance services at Acacia Prison

A recently released report from the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (OICS), commends the Serco operated Acacia Prison for its innovative prisoner services and strong recovery following significant operational challenges. 

Serco Asia Pacific CEO Andrew Head expressed his pride in the recognition of the team’s efforts. 

“I visited Acacia Prison a few weeks ago with Minister Papalia and saw firsthand the remarkable turnaround which has been praised by the Inspector of Custodial Services,” said Mr Head. 

“It was pleasing to see the new Industries block almost complete and the Kilo residential unit fully operational again. Even more impressive than inspecting the rebuilt infrastructure was spending time with our leadership team and staff at Acacia Prison, who have led a tremendous turnaround and embraced Serco’s value of innovation, in developing new programs focussed on rehabilitating the men in our care. 

“We are proud to support the WA Government in delivering safe, secure and rehabilitative custodial services. The OICS report is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Acacia team, who have shown resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. 

“The results of this inspection reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and the wellbeing of those in our care. I’m incredibly proud of the team for their professionalism and compassion.” 

Inspector praises Acacia for innovative prisoner services 

The Department of Justice has welcomed an Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (OICS) report that recognises enhanced services and supports for prisoners at Acacia Prison. 

Acacia is a Western Australian medium-security prison for adult males managed by a private operator under contract with the Department. 

OICS said in its inspection report that Acacia had recovered well after a riot and fires caused significant damage to the facility in 2022 and 2023 and consequent disruption to operations. 

“Most of the credit for this rests with the leadership, operational management and staff at Acacia who worked extraordinarily hard to keep the prison operating and provide meaningful services for prisoners,” it said. 

With rebuilding work almost complete, affected prison industries areas would reopen shortly and help generate further employment, education and training opportunities and free up other infrastructure. 

OICS said it was impressed with a number of “innovative” initiatives that had been established at Acacia, notably cultural and support service networks tailored to different cohorts of prisoners. 

These initiatives included a young adult community program, which offered younger people in custody classes and activities facilitated by a team of peer mentors, and additional care for high-needs prisoners. 

OICS also found Acacia prisoners had reliable access to health services and improved health outcomes and the prison had continued high levels of criminogenic program delivery. 

Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said Acacia contractor Serco was focused on the needs of prisoners and staff, the security of prison operations and good governance. 

“It is pleasing to note OICS recognising the innovation demonstrated by senior management at the same time as refurbishment of the damaged residential unit and industries blocks took place,” he said. 

“We expect Serco to maintain a high level of supports and service provision at Acacia in accordance with the contract and the Department's commitment to prisoner safety, wellbeing and rehabilitation. 

“The State’s adult male prison estate is also to be commended for successfully pivoting to accommodate displaced prisoners as Acacia tackled the loss of bed capacity arising from the damage to the facility.”