AIR-CON TENDER EVALUATION UNDERWAY FOR ROEBOURNE PRISON

BY GERARD MAZZA AND ASAD KHAN

The Department of Justice has indicated installation of air-conditioning in all cells at Roebourne Regional Prison may not be completed until after next summer.

The state government committed $10 million to the works in 2022 following concerns from human rights organisations and the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA) for prisoners’ health and safety.

“Completion of the project is expected to be during the 2024/25 financial year,” according to a Department spokesperson, meaning inmates may swelter through another summer without air-conditioning.

In Karratha last week, Premier Roger Cook said several tender applications had been received.

“We’re very much looking forward to getting that going,” he said. “We understand it’s very uncomfortable for those prisoners.”

The Department confirmed applications were currently being evaluated.

This summer has seen multiple heatwaves impact Roebourne, prompting concern that prisoners may suffer heat stress or heat stroke.

Last month, ALSWA CEO Wayne Nannup warned that “ the relentless heat” experienced in recent months “places the lives of inmates at great risk”.