WA eyes Bullsbrook quarantine site as future prison
WA's prison chief says he would use the Bullsbrook quarantine centre as a jail if it becomes available.
Western Australia's Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce made a statement on Wednesday. He said he would be interested in using the Bullsbrook quarantine centre as a prison if it becomes available.
The facility is a Commonwealth asset. It was originally built to quarantine returning travellers during COVID-19.
Corrective Services Minister Tony Buti said the government is still looking at the plan. A feasibility study began in June to assess whether the site could help ease the state's overcrowded prisons.
The proposal faces strong community opposition. A petition with 165 signatures was tabled in Parliament.
It urged the government to abandon the plan. WA prisons are under severe strain.
Some facilities are holding three inmates in each cell.
- $400 million
- Facility cost
- 165 signatures
- Opposition petition
- June
- Feasibility study start
- Bullsbrook, Western Australia
- Location
Why it mattersWA's overcrowded prison system needs urgent expansion. But using a quarantine centre would take away a potential disaster-response facility.
AustraliaIf approved, the $400m Bullsbrook conversion could ease WA's prison crisis but would remove the only facility designed to handle large-scale health emergencies.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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