Transformation of COVID quarantine centre into prison a step closer
The Justice Department has signed an $87,000 contract with architects to explore converting an unused quarantine centre in Perth's north-east into a prison.
Western Australia's Justice Department has engaged architects to assess the possibility of converting a Perth quarantine centre into a prison, as the state grapples with overcrowded jails. The Bullsbrook facility, which has only been used for quarantine once since its 2022 completion, is being eyed to ease pressure on the state's existing prisons.
The conversion, costing $87,000, could be a step closer, with the Justice Department calling in architects to explore how the 500-bed Centre for National Resilience could be repurposed. Located 40 kilometres north-east of Perth's CBD, the centre has been dormant since its completion. The government considers all options to meet infrastructure demands due to a 37% increase in the prison population since early 2023, without a corresponding growth in cells or staff.
Corrective Services Minister Tony Buti said nothing is off the cards, but the measures coming too late to alleviate overcrowding.
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