Aboriginal inmate hospitalised in WA after alleged altercation with prison guard

A female Aboriginal inmate is in a critical condition following unconfirmed reports of a prison guard "body-slamming" the inmate at a Perth prison.

Western Australia's Bandyup Women's Prison. Source: Creative Commons/Greg O'Beirne

An Aboriginal inmate was hospitalised on Sunday night and is in a critical condition following an alleged incident with a Western Australian prison guard at Bandyup Women’s Prison in Perth. 

The The West Australian reports that the inmate became unwell after being allegedly "body-slammed" by a prison guard. 

A Department of Justice spokesperson told NITV News a review will be conducted. 

"The Corrective Services Commissioner is aware of the allegation and has referred the matter to the Department of Justice Professional Standards Division for review," a statement from the Department said. 

The inmate is reported to have been admitted to the St John of God Midland Hospital. 

It is unknown what led up to the incident between the inmate and the officer, or whether the inmate was hospitalised as a result of the alleged incident. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders comprised 39 per cent of the adult prisoner population in WA prisons, according to ABS data. 

WA has the highest imprisonment rate of Aboriginal people in Australia. 

A separate internal review and Coronial Inquest will be conducted into the death of an Aboriginal male who died at Acacia Prison in Perth on Friday.