Proposed prison reforms in the Commission on Thursday 4th Sept

The POVB and the Department met in a Conciliation Conference before Justice Marks at the NSW Industrial Relations Commission this morning (4 September). The PSA have made it clear to the Department that it intends to negotiate in respect to all proposed reforms and does not accept or agree with some of them.

OPERATIONAL AGREEMENTS

The PSA have raised its concerns in respect to the 'Draft Management Plans' that have been drafted by management. POVB have put forward a proposed Template Operational Agreement and shall be meeting with the Department in the following 7 days in an attempt to reach agreement. PSA has made it clear to the Department that if no agreement can be reached we shall seek to have this matter arbitrated by the IRC.

SILVERWATER MENS

The Department have today informed the PSA of its intention to close Silverwater Mens Prison and to house 150 work release and pre-work release inmates there. The Department intend to operate this facility with the COS non-custodial employees. The PSA is appalled at the Department's complete disregard in failing to properly consult and inform affected members. Justice Marks has directed the Department to inform the PSA within 2 working days as to how it will run the new facility. Once the PSA has been informed of this it will organise a meeting of its members. Members should be aware that non-custodial staff have not been consulted in respect to this.

CASUALS

The PSA have today put forward in the Industrial Relations Commission its position on the introduction of casuals into the Department and raised serious safety and operational concerns. The PSA has been directed by Justice Marks to submit in writing its detailed concerns in relation to the proposed introduction of casuals.

CENTRALISED ROSTERING

The Department have not put forward any valid reasons or rationale for its decision to centralise rostering. The PSA have put forward that this represents a further cut in custodial officers who are available on the ground who also possess critical local knowledge that is required for effective rostering. The Department have asked that PSA give the Department details in writing within 7 days in respect to this. Members should be aware that the non-custodial staff have not been consulted in respect to this.

BOOMGATE

The Department have now informed the PSA that it has issued tenders in respect to privatising Boomgate and Perimeter security. The PSA has been requested to provide to the Department its concerns within 7 days. Members would be aware of the recent disputation that occurred at the Long Bay Complex in respect to this issue. POVB is extremely concerned at the Department's indifference to this important issue.

SICK LEAVE POLICY

The PSA have been requested by Justice Marks to provide a detailed response within 6 weeks to the Department. PSA has some major concerns with some proposed measures.

COURT AND TRANSPORT

The PSA has today asked management to clarify what was intended by the Commissioner's announcement regarding the market testing of non-core operation of court security and escorts. The Department's representative stated that all non-Correction Centre operations are deemed to be non-core. As such the PSA believes all Court, transport and all cell blocks to be at threat to be market tested with a view to be privatised. The PSA has expressed its rejection of any moves to privatise these essential functions. The Department has been direct by His Honour to provide details to the PSA in writing in regards to this issue within 14 days.

The State Executive and the PSA likes to acknowledge the steadfast support shown by members through out this difficult period.

Should you require further information, please contact your workplace delegate or PSA industrial staff member David McCauley 9290 1555 ext 333 or Stewart Little 9220 0928.