Bunbury Regional Prison subject to DBCA investigation over commercial firewood sales

Bunbury Regional Prison is under investigation by the Department of Biosecurity, Conservation and Attractions over the alleged commercial selling of firewood. The South Western Times understands the DBCA investigation has been under way since at least March with a number of current and former staff assisting. While the investigation is ongoing, the Times has seen an email from August 2021 in which a Bunbury Regional Prison staff member forecasts the sale of wood and mulch in the 2020-21 financial year would surpass $2900. The money was requested to be used towards buying new equipment for the prison, including two $915 mowers and two $539 whipper snippers. Another email by a staff member in December 2020 listed the prices of mulch for staff as $15 a trailer load or $2.50 per chaff bag as a “Christmas special”. In February, the West Australian reported the prison was selling workshop items made by prisoners. Its inquiries prompted an email by a senior staff member advising sales for staff would be put on hold indefinitely. The following week another email clarified the rule extended to other items including plants, chopped wood and mulch. A Department of Justice spokesperson declined to comment on the investigation but confirmed the ban on sales was still in place, pending an independent review. The DBCA also declined to comment as the investigation is ongoing. Bunbury Regional Prison has come under fire for multiple incidents in the past year after a former guard took the Department of Justice to court over alleged sexual harassment, sexual discrimination and disability discrimination faced at the site. The South Western Times also revealed in March a shocking “hurt feelings report” designed to mock and demean reporters of sexual harassment or bullying being sent to a staff member in 2022. In May, the prison sustained severe damage to two of its low-security buildings on the outskirts of the prison due to the freak tornado which tore through Bunbury’s southern suburbs.