PSA retains coverage of new correctional centres

In a dramatic turn of events, the PSA and the POVB have negotiated public sector coverage and operation of three new correctional centres at Kempsey, Dellwinya and Wellington with the Department of Corrective Services.

A very real threat existed that the new prisons would be operated by the private sector. It is understood that private operators have beaten a path to the NSW Treasury over recent months in a bid to take over the operation of the prisons.

At a special meeting of prison officer delegates on 26 February, 95% of delegates voted in favour of a Consent Island Award to cover the new centres. This decision was conveyed to the Minister who appeared before the budget sub-committee on Monday 1 March with the Commissioner for Corrective Services, Rod Woodham and they were given a green light for public sector operation.

Let there be no doubt about the privatisation threats as all available sources of information confirmed that the situation was dire.

The delegates who voted to introduce the new consent award are to be congratulated for their foresight, their maturity and the leadership and courage they displayed in supporting the union recommendation. Their decision means that more than 500 jobs remain in the public sector.