Hundreds of prison officers rally to stop private prisons

Prison officers from across the state will converge on Macquarie Street today to protest against plans to privatise the state’s prisons.

The Treasury has floated plans to sell off Parklea and Cessnock Correctional Centres as well as aspects of court security and prisoner escort.

"Of all public services, prisons are the last thing we should be selling off to massive overseas companies to make money from," Public Service Association General Secretary John Cahill said.

"Private companies must turn a profit, and they will do that by reducing safety measures, training, staffing, rehabilitation programmes, health services and every other corner they can cut to reduce their bottom line.

"The message to the government from frontline prison officers is that this proposal would undermine security both within jails and in the broader community.

"Selling off prisons to big business is abhorrent. The international and interstate experiences show that when prisons are privatised assaults on officers increase, the welfare of inmates plummets and community security is compromised."

"Prison officers are seeking a clear indication from the NSW Government that privatisation is not on the agenda. The state must continue to take responsibility for people they put behind bars, and protect the officers who get up every day and work with them.

Prison officers from around New South Wales started a 24 hour strike at 10pm last night, and will rally outside NSW Parliament House at 11am today.

"The Premier must commit to serious reforms in the prison service, not flicking them off for a quick buck to the detriment of workers, inmates and society," Mr Cahill said.