The current system for booking visits to inmates at Hakea Prison falls short in many ways, leading to inefficiency, inequality, and undue stress for families wishing to maintain contact with their incarcerated loved ones. Parameters are often stringent and unpredictable, making it difficult for visitors to secure slots. Notably, Hakea Prison has seen a consistent rise in inmate population over the past few years, but the system to accommodate visitor bookings has not been correspondingly updated (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020).

This inadequate provision not only thwarts a prisoner’s right to maintain outside connections, which is crucial for reducing recidivism (Australian Institute of Criminology, 2018), but it also greatly affects the emotional well-being of families, especially children associated with these inmates.

We urge the Department of Justice to instate a more user-friendly and efficient booking system for Hakea Prison that takes into account the increased number of prisoners and their families' needs. Please sign this petition and help bring about a change that promotes a fairer system for all.