THE repurposed Wandoo Rehabilitation Prison has opened in Perth to help female inmates fight their addiction to methamphetamine and other drugs.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said the world-leading treatment prison would provide innovative programs to try to break the cycle of drug reoffending, and included follow-up care after an inmate’s release.
“We all know that drugs, particularly methamphetamine, is a scourge in our community and many people go to prison because they steal, break in, rob and assault in order to fund their habit,” Mr McGowan told reporters on Monday.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“Therefore, getting them off the methamphetamine when they’re in prison is an important part of preventing reoffending.”
Prisoners with less than six months remaining on their sentence can apply to attend the facility and a triage unit will assess their suitability, including security issues and a demonstrated desire to treat their addiction.
But Corrective Services Minister Fran Logan said there would also be some women who would undertake programs at the facility and then go back to a mainstream prison.
There are 24 women in the prison but the facility can treat up to 77 minimum and medium-security inmates.
Mr Logan said there had been more than 180 requests so far but ruled out double-bunking.
A similar facility for men is expected to open in late 2019.