A recent report by Eamon Ryan, the Inspector of Custodial Services in Western Australia, has revealed alarming conditions in Hakea, Casuarina, and Melaleuca Prisons, describing the treatment of prisoners as "cruel, inhumane or degrading." The report highlights a 37% increase in the prison population since early 2023, with inadequate cell space and staffing to accommodate the rise. Ryan noted that some prisoners are forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor, with one inmate recounting the degrading experience of sleeping near a toilet. This situation has led to the issuance of a show cause notice to the WA government, demanding an explanation for these conditions. Ryan emphasized that without proper rehabilitation, released prisoners are likely to reoffend, posing a risk to society. He recommended that the Justice Department create a comprehensive reform plan to address these systemic issues. In response, the department acknowledged the need for reform and indicated ongoing efforts to manage prisoner populations and expand prison infrastructure, although Ryan criticized these measures as insufficient to meet the scale of the problem.