Major disturbance at Casuarina Prison leaves officer injured and significant damage

A serious disturbance involving multiple prisoners at Perth's maximum-security Casuarina Prison has resulted in extensive internal damage and injury to a correctional officer, authorities have confirmed.

The incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon at the facility, located approximately 40 kilometres south of Perth's central business district. The Department of Justice confirmed that approximately seven prisoners were involved in the disturbance within a unit wing of the prison.

Extent of damage raises capacity concerns

According to Andy Smith, secretary of the WA Prison Officers Union, two wings of a prison unit were severely damaged during the incident. He indicated that water damage affected multiple cells and structural destruction was extensive.

"That could leave anything up to 50 or 60 beds out of action," Mr Smith told media, highlighting the operational impact of the disturbance.

The union representative emphasised the critical nature of losing accommodation capacity at a time when Western Australia's prison system faces ongoing pressure. "We can't afford to lose cells," he stated, underscoring tensions within the state's corrections system regarding capacity management.

Swift response from specialist teams

The Department of Justice stated that officers from the Special Operations Group and Prison Response Team brought the situation under control within approximately two hours of the disturbance beginning.

"Officers from the Special Operations Group and Prison Response Team resolved the incident, securing all prisoners in their cells," the department said in a statement issued Thursday night.

One correctional officer sustained a minor injury during the incident, though the Department of Justice did not provide further details regarding the nature or severity of the injury.

Assessment and repairs underway

The Department of Justice indicated that damage to the unit was undergoing assessment, with repairs expected to take considerable time. The extent of structural and water damage suggests restoration efforts could impact the facility's operational capacity for weeks.

Mr Smith noted that while the immediate disturbance was resolved quickly, the aftermath would require substantial repair work. The incident raises questions about underlying conditions at the facility and factors that may have contributed to the disturbance.

Western Australia's prison system under strain

The disturbance at Casuarina Prison occurs against a backdrop of ongoing challenges within Western Australia's correctional facilities. Prison overcrowding and resource constraints have been recurring issues, with incidents such as this highlighting vulnerabilities in the system.

The loss of up to 60 beds places additional pressure on an already stretched facility. Such incidents typically prompt reviews of security protocols and unit management strategies at maximum-security institutions.

This article was originally reported by ABC News on 16 July 2026.