NSW Prison Officers Taking Industrial Action

The recent industrial action in New South Wales Correctional Centres has highlighted the urgent need for staffing reviews in all Correctional facilities throughout Australia.

New South Wales is just the latest state to face staffing cuts, or as the New South Wales Commissioner Peter Severin would say "talk about" starting restructures.

In plain language, and for those of us who have been around for more than five minutes, we understand that such discussions will often lead to significant reduction in human resources and therefore expose remaining staff to increased risks of occupational violence and general risk of harm.

The Australian Prison Officers Association (APOA) is not generally supportive of strike action where it is unnecessary or where it is plain that it is a political stunt, however, in this instance it appears that there are serious and imminent risks because of the proposed reductions in human resources inside New South Wales correctional facilities and what such cuts would mean to the effective and efficient operation of New South Wales prisons.

On this basis, we believe it is reasonable to expect that there will be a serious and significant pushback from the rank-and-file where there is evidence to suggest that there are such risks.

Whilst the APOA would not support unlawful industrial action, we will support any advocacy, on a fair and reasonable basis, that promotes the best interests of prison officers in terms of their employment and safety at work.