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 Home Prison Officers
Report on POVB Delegates’ biannual meeting, June 2003
On Wednesday & Thursday 25-26, the Prison Officers Vocational Branch (POVB) conducted its biannual Delegates Management Meeting. On the 25th delegates from around the State met at PSA House. The new Minister for Justice Hon John Hatzistergos and PSA General Secretary Maurie O'Sullivan opened the Conference. The new MinisterThe Minister addressed the meeting and stressed on a number of occasions that the public management of Prisons needs to become more effective and efficient, otherwise governments in the future may look at privatization, particularly if a Conservative government gains office.The Minister demonstrated that he was well informed and unhesitatingly answered delegates questions. Many thoughtful, intelligent and articulate questions were delivered to Mr Hatzistergos. He answered them candidly and appeared to enjoy the challenge, staying well past his scheduled finishing time. Farewell MaurieAt the conclusion of the Minister's address, POVB Chairperson John Campbell warmly thanked PSA General Secretary Maurie O'Sullivan for his guidance, assistance and solidarity to the POVB over the years.This was Maurie's last POVB Conference before he retires from the General Secretary position. At the conclusion of John's from the heart speech, it was obvious to all that Maurie had a tear or two in his eyes. Over the years many Prison Officers have commented that Maurie articulates what it is like to be a Prison Officer better than anyone else. It was as if he too was a Prison Officer. Thank you Maurie. Other presentationsFollowing this a presentation from MacMillan and Shakespeare re: Salary sacrifice was given.Next, a representative from ACM (Australian Correctional Management), Col Kelaher spoke about Private Prisons. Col has a unique perspective in that he now works in the Private Sector, after having a career in the Public Sector, finishing as governor of Goulburn Correctional Centre. He asked the delegates "not to shoot the messenger". The delegates respected this and appreciated his fortitude coming into possibly hostile territory, listening attentively. He informed the delegates that governments are trying to save dollars on Prisons, and that Private gaols are an alternative. He informed the Conference of many efficiencies that the private system has over the public sector. Once again the POVB delegates asked extensive and well conceived questions. POVB Chair John Campbell had received some flak for inviting someone from the private sector, but it soon became obvious that it was a masterstroke. The information gleaned by the delegates can only help in the ongoing campaign to keep prisons public and professional. After all knowledge is power. The remainder of the day was productively taken up with policy and motions. Day 2 at HQDay two was conducted at Corrective Services HQ at Roden Cutler House. The meeting received a presentation from Drs Matthews and Levy from Corrections Health Services (CHS). The topic being "Infectious Diseases" which is for obvious reasons of grave concern to POVB delegates, and all members generally.Following this, Senior Assistant Commissioner, Inmate and Custodial Services (SACICS) Ian McLean led his management team into the meeting. Motions and matters were addressed and the Conference ended on a cordial note, with delegates racing to connections to locations all around the State. By all accounts the Conference was very successful and purposeful. All members of the POVB can rest assured that regular delegate from Broken Hill, Kenny Richards will attend the next Conference, after missing this one for the first time in many years, due too ill health. Get well soon, Richo.
POVB Executive |
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