Prison Violence

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:58): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to addressing questions to the Minister for Correctional Services regarding violence in prisons.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Yesterday, the minister indicated that she was aware of assaults against correctional officers reaching record highs. My questions, therefore, are:

1. What proportion of charges laid in 2023-24 against inmates for assaulting correctional officers have led to convictions?

2. Has the minister met with representative bodies to discuss concerns about workplace safety?

3. Has the minister personally met with any of the correctional officers who have been allegedly abused, and, if not, what steps has she taken to inform herself of their experiences and concerns?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:59): I thank the member for her question. In regard to safety, obviously I want to learn as much as I can in this space. I have already reached out to the unions that are involved in this area. There are two unions that look after our correctional services—one that looks after our privatised areas and one that looks after our public—and I have reached out to both those organisations. Obviously, I am also having conversations with the department as well in this space.