5/4/05
An eminent former New South Wales Supreme Court Justice has been appointed to carry out a major six-month inquiry into Western Australia’s corrections system.
Premier Geoff Gallop said retired Justice Dennis Mahoney would be given extensive powers under the Public Sector Management Act to thoroughly examine the corrections system and would be given access to all Ministers and any documentation he required.
Dr Gallop said Justice Mahoney was a distinguished and highly respected lawyer, Queen’s Counsel and judicial officer, who was admitted to the NSW bar in 1948 and served on the bench of the Court of Appeal for more than 20 years.
Justice Mahoney has extensive experience in the conduct of Royal Commissions, human rights hearings and Commissions of Inquiry, including the special inquiry in 2000 into the death of Joseph Gilewicz, who was killed by a Tasmanian police sniper in 1991.
The Premier said he was more than confident Justice Mahoney would conduct a comprehensive and authoritative inquiry and would formulate a blueprint for overhauling the State’s prison system
“I am delighted we have managed to secure such a capable and highly regarded person to head up this important inquiry,” Dr Gallop said.
“The Government has already appointed Assistant Commissioner Ian Johnson as acting director of prisons and moved quickly to install secure perimeter fencing at our two minimum security facilities.
“I hope this inquiry will help restore the community’s faith in our justice system and provide a definitive blueprint for making it the best and most effective in the country.”
The Premier has directed that all Ministers provide any documents requested by Justice Mahoney and that they make themselves available to the inquiry if required.
Justice Minister John D’Orazio will direct the Inspector of Custodial Services, Richard Harding, to undertake a specialist role in providing advice and expertise in certain aspects of the inquiry.
Mr D’Orazio said the inquiry would take six months and would focus on community and staff safety as an under-pinning factor.
“The inquiry will look at the management of offenders in custody and the community, including the potential risks to the community of a prisoner’s placement,” he said.
The inquiry, part of the Government’s mission to improve services, will also look at what prisons and community corrections require to further improve on community and staff safety, as well as the rehabilitation of offenders, and at the structure and performance of the Department of Justice.
Premier's office: 9222 9475
