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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 686 asked in the Legislative Council on 9 September 2021 by Hon Neil Thomson

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

BROOME REGIONAL PRISON — RELOCATION

686. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the minister representing the Minister for Corrective Services:

I refer to the proposal to build a regional prison adjacent to the 12 Mile community, located outside Broome.

(1) Following the meeting held at 12 Mile on 20 July, can the minister please confirm whether there has been further contact or consultation with affected residents?

(2) If yes to (1), can the minister please confirm the dates on which the following modes of consultation or contact occurred —

(a) written correspondence; and

(b) in person meetings?

(3) If no to (1), can the minister confirm that a significant and meaningful community consultation process that includes 12 Mile residents will occur?

(4) When does the minister expect to make a final decision regarding the relocation of Broome Regional Prison?

Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:

I thank the member for the question. The following information has been provided by the Minister for Corrective Services.

(1)–(4) The government is committed to the replacement of the existing Broome Regional Prison with a modem facility that can provide cultural support and rehabilitation facilities. The need for a new prison in Broome is obvious; the existing prison in the centre of town is no longer fit for purpose and needs to be replaced.

In progressing the work to replace Broome Regional Prison, the Minister for Corrective Services has the interests of the local community in mind, as demonstrated by his attendance in person at the meeting held with residents of 12 Mile on 20 July 2021. The minister agreed to investigate alternative sites suggested at this meeting, including by the Shire of Broome, advise 12 Mile residents of the outcome and meet again with the community, even if only a videoconference is possible.

On 21 July, the department again met with the shire to discuss alternative sites. The department wrote to the shire on 28 July, and correspondence has been ongoing. Additionally, the minister met with the president and deputy president of the shire on 5 August. The department wrote to 12 Mile residents on 13 August to outline actions taken since 20 July, and to reiterate the minister's commitments. The minister will write to all 12 Mile residents to update the community on the project, including the evaluation of external sites, and will meet again with residents, perhaps by Zoom.