Department of Corrective Services' Annual Report 2010/2011 ...

Commissioner’s Messageto the new EA which are anticipated to improve the efficiency of prisonoperations. Constructive engagement with Western Australian PrisonOfficers’ Union (WAPOU) has been key to the staffing review process.The State Government has selected Serco Australia Pty Ltd as the preferredtender respondent for court security and custodial services in WesternAustralia. A new contract was signed with Serco on 14 June 2011 for a fiveyearterm with extension options for up to a further five years.You may have heard that the Department was fined in 2010/11 forcontravening the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 in relation to thetragic death of Mr Ward in January 2008. I was in court in Kalgoorlie on theday of sentencing out of respect to Mr Ward’s family and community andto represent the Department.This event closed a sad and significant chapter in the Department’s history,one which has changed the face of prisoner transport forever and resultedin the vast improvements in the standards and methods used in WesternAustralia.Corrections in WA is an ever-changing landscape that provides around-theclockcritical services 365 days a year, managing and supervising over 4,600people in 14 prisons and six work camps, 4,600 offenders in the communityand 170 young people in custody.The Department of Corrective Services in WA is also the single largestgeographical correctional jurisdiction in the world. I am constantly reminded,almost daily, of the terrific people we have working throughout WesternAustralia who carry out their challenging and complex duties with pride andprofessionalism. The majority are silent achievers who get on with the job, ajob that many people have opinions about, a job that attracts intense scrutiny,comments, negativity and advice on how to do it, but a job that not many areprepared to actually put their hand up to do. My staff put their hand up, theyget on with giving their best 365 x 24 x 7 and the contribution they make tothe safety and security of Western Australia should be applauded.Ian JohnsonCommissionerDepartment of Corrective Services » Annual Report 2010/2011 8