Western Australia Minister for Corrective Services Murray Cowper

Independent Inquiry Into Banksia Incident

Victor P Taffa

Corrective Services Minister Murray Cowper has directed the Inspector of Custodial Services, Neil Morgan, to undertake a full inquiry into the incident at Banksia Hill Detention Centre on January 20, 2013.

Under section 17 of the Inspector of Custodial Services Act 2003, the Minister can direct an inquiry to be undertaken by the independent Office of Custodial Services.

The inspector sets the time frame in his terms of reference and then reports to the Western Australian Parliament at the completion of his inquiry.

This will coincide with a full operational investigation by the Department of Corrective Services and a criminal investigation by WA Police.

“We will ensure the perpetrators of this incident face the full extent of the law.” Mr. Cowper said.

“The Liberal National Government has spent $27Million upgrading Banksia Hill detention centre.”

“The facility has a mix of serious, repeat, and often violent, young offenders and the safety of our correctional officers and the community at large is the Government’s primary focus.”

“Importantly we will ensure that any issues raised by the Inspector’s independent inquiry are addressed as a matter of priority.”

Fact File

• Liberal National Government has allocated unprecedented $655M during this term of government to upgrade prisons and build new infrastructure