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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-11-16 Daily Xml
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Parliamentary Committees

Public Works Committee: Port Augusta Prison Accommodation Upgrades

Mr BROWN (Florey) (11:01): I move:

That the 34th report of the committee, entitled 'Port Augusta Prison Bluebush and Greenbush accommodation upgrades', be noted.

The Department for Correctional Services proposes to upgrade aged accommodation units and yards at Port Augusta Prison through a comprehensive refurbishment of the Bluebush accommodation block, the Greenbush accommodation block and their respective outdoor areas. This initiative will assist in improving staff and prisoner safety, while providing greater opportunities for prisoner rehabilitation.

The Port Augusta Prison is a high-security prison built in 1869. Prisoners are accommodated in a variety of units that cater for different prisoner needs, including the high-security units of the Bluebush and Greenbush accommodation blocks, which house 156 prisoners. The accommodation blocks are the oldest accommodation blocks on site and have significantly aged.

The units were designed according to correctional standards and principles set in the 1960s and do not reflect modern correctional practices of ensuring that rehabilitation is at the forefront of all infrastructure design. The unit upgrades will ensure the accommodation is fit for purpose, safe and culturally inclusive.

The project forms part of the department's commitment to making a difference to reducing reoffending through the priorities of Closing the Gap, to reduce the over-representation of incarcerated Aboriginal people through cultural understanding and engagement, innovation and contemporary practice, by delivering world-class correctional services, and maintaining safe-at-work principles by improving amenities and having increased access to outdoor spaces. The total invested budget for the project is $30 million, with the project currently in the tender phase and practical completion expected in November 2025.

A two-stage approach will be used to reduce the operational impact of the works. Stage 1 will result in 104 Bluebush beds temporarily taken offline so that the Bluebush ground floor, Bluebush first floor and Bluebush rear yard can be upgraded. Stage 2 will result in 36 beds taken offline to upgrade the main yard and the first floor of the Greenbush unit. The upgraded accommodation and yards will include:

improved visibility of staff posts in accommodation areas, with open benchtops to encourage prisoner and staff interaction;

removal of the shower blocks and inclusion of showers in cells;

removal and replacement of all draconian-style steel bars in corridors with glass airlocks;

introduction of fixed seating and tables in corridors to support and encourage prisoner socialisation;

updating interview rooms, prisoner kitchen and servery areas to support and encourage open conversation between social workers and prisoners;

placement of acoustics, materials and colour choices reflective of the local environment, as well as the incorporation of Aboriginal artwork and murals from local Indigenous people;

a secure internal courtyard for prisoners occupying the ground floor of Bluebush to provide further opportunities for access to outside spaces, encouraging positive and social prisoner exchanges;

dividing the main yard into two yards, providing opportunities for more prisoners to access the main yard simultaneously; and

providing flexible multipurpose yards with fixed seating and chairs, walking trails, gym equipment and facilities to accommodate recreational activities.

The project team has incorporated formal processes and initiatives to ensure that ecologically sustainable development principles are integrated into the design, construction and operation of the updated accommodation and yards. These initiatives include energy-efficient lights and lighting systems, the use of recycled furnishing materials, low-energy use air conditioning systems and water management systems with water-saving settings.

The accommodation upgrades have the capacity to reduce stress, increase the wellbeing of prisoners and foster better relationships, leading to fewer negative behaviours and critical incidents. The rehabilitation outcomes of the project are aimed to improve prisoner wellbeing, incorporate modern design concepts, allow prisoners the ability to spend longer periods out of their cells, foster positive officer and prisoner interaction, and improve prisoner engagement and interaction. Importantly, the design also allows for the inclusion of a meeting space where allied health staff, such as social workers, can meet and hold effective conversations with prisoners.

The project provides an option for prisoners to undertake meaningful work to contribute to the unit upgrades by providing opportunities for prisoner engagement. Port Augusta Prison Industries will have significant involvement through the construction of cell furniture, including beds and shelving using the metalwork and spray shop.

The department is also investigating the involvement of a prisoner working group for prisoners to be further engaged by working alongside builders and their subcontractors, along with training providers. This exposure to a construction environment with the intention of upskilling provides prisoners with an opportunity to engage and build networks with employers to learn transferable skills, and can enhance employment prospects upon release.

The department recognises potential risks associated with the project and its delivery, which have been thoroughly scrutinised to ensure that risks are mitigated and safety is paramount for employees and prisoners. Issues surrounding long lead times of materials, supply demands, cost inflation and the regional location are at the forefront of the department's risk mitigation strategies. Risk mitigation strategies will be utilised throughout the project and will include the use of local trades, providing additional security and maintaining ongoing communication strategies.

The Department for Correctional Services confirms that consultation and engagement has occurred throughout the design phase to ensure the design and costings were challenged and endorsed without affecting the operational principle of the design. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport are involved in appointing the lead design consultant following the relevant procurement process.

The committee examined written and oral evidence in relation to the Port Augusta Prison Bluebush and Greenbush accommodation upgrades. Witnesses who appeared before the committee were Mr David Brown, Chief Executive of the Department for Correctional Services; Mr Chris Sexton, Executive Director, People and Business Services, Department for Correctional Services; and Mr John Harrison, Director of Building Projects, Department for Infrastructure and Transport. I thank the witnesses for their time. I would also like to thank the member for Stuart for the written statements supporting this project in his electorate.

Based upon the evidence considered and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public works.

Motion carried.

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