Juvenile Justice movement on overcrowding issue

Please be advised that the Union is withdrawing the directions to members that were issued on 8 February 2008, on the basis to bargain in good faith with the Department regarding this OHS issue of accommodating high Admissions.

Your Assistant General Secretary, Industrial Officers and Delegates met with the Department and the Minister's Office today to discuss this OHS issue and how it should be managed.

The Department has agreed to provide a document to the Union this afternoon outlining, what are the current staffing levels for each centre, a proposed upper limit on bed capacity and staffing formula to cover high numbers.

The Union will forward the Department's position on to Delegates to seek advice and comment from their respective workplace group on the feasibility of their proposals to accommodate high admission numbers.

Accordingly the Union will provide an urgent written response to the Department once we have gathered your responses from the Delegates.

There is agreement between the parties to continue holding further urgent talks with the purpose of resolving this important OHS issue and ensure that the safety and security of the membership is maintained.

The Union and your Delegates have also advocated for legislative change, to facilitate the movement of 18 - 21 ½ year olds (Young Adults) into the adult system.