Inmates are likely being subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment at multiple prisons in Australia's wealthiest state, prompting a jails watchdog to call for urgent reform.
Most of Western Australia's correctional facilities are in crisis, with an increased level of harm observed across the system, Custodial Services Inspector Eamon Ryan said in a report tabled in parliament on Tuesday.
There was a potentially serious risk to the security, control, safety, care and welfare of prisoners in the Hakea, Melaleuca and Casuarina facilities, he said.
"This is no longer a problem confined to a single facility — it reflects a systemic failure across multiple prisons," Mr Ryan said.
Conditions pose a serious risk to the safety and wellbeing of prisoners and staff, and in some cases may amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
