Inmates told to kick the habit before smoking ban comes into effect across all West Australian prisons

A new reform program will be offered to prisoners to help them kick the habit and quit smoking before a tobacco ban is rolled out in all West Australian jails.

Smoking will soon be banned in prisons across the state under a tobacco prohibition that will apply to all inmates, staff, contractors and visitors at custodial facilities.

Women’s prisons were the first to undergo the tobacco ban, which will be rolled out to men’s and regional jails next year.

Staff and prisoners have been given notice for the transition to smoke-free sites and will be offered support to help them quit.

Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said authorities aimed to have all prisons smoke free by the end of 2026.

“The rollout will be carried out in a cautious, considered and collaborative way with a focus on safety and security,” Mr Royce said.

“Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in Australia, and I’m committed to supporting staff and the people in our care to quit.”

Corrective Services has worked with Cancer Council WA and the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia to phase out smoking in custodial facilities.

Inmates will be offered help by health staff to quit smoking, be given access to subsidised nicotine products during the transition period and have access to call the Quitline for tips and advice.

Mr Joyce said the health, social and economic benefits of this measure would be significant.

“By quitting, prisoners stand to save their families thousands of dollars a year and make communities healthier,” he said.