News

Monday, 19 August 2019

CPSU NSW targets safety concerns at Parklea Correctional Centre


CPSU NSW targets safety concerns at Parklea Correctional Centre – Aug 2019 (PDF version)

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU NSW) has approached both the Minister for Corrections, the Hon. Anthony Roberts and the Commissioner of Corrective Service, Peter Severin, over concerns regarding staff safety.

Members would be well aware of the spike in the incidence of assaults on correctional staff. In response we have requested additional specialist support from Corrective Services while further operational initiatives, including additional staffing, improved rostering, training and safety committees are developed and established.

While we appreciate the significant challenges confronting MTC-Broadspectrum, particularly given the limited access the company had to the facility prior to the commencement of its operating contract, we cannot accept an operational culture that indirectly invites violence against correctional staff.

MTC-Broadspectrum has assured us it takes safety extremely seriously and wants to work with the CPSU NSW to achieve best practice outcomes at Parklea. We’re pleased with the commitment, but in our experience talk is cheap, and outcomes cost money.

If you are concerned about your safety or poor work practices, speak to your supervisor and contact our delegates Brian Kirk, Mark Ward or Tiarna Holtz.

Alternatively, you can contact either Dave McCauley or Thane Pearce or call us on 1300 772 679.

Not a member? Join today at www.cpsu.nsw.org.au/join.

CPSU NSW – Stronger Together