Prisons across New South Wales have been plunged into chaos amid a statewide strike last week. Corrections officers have walked off the job after the announcement that the Government will close two more maximum security wings at the Goulburn Correctional Centre.
The strike has already had major flow-on effects, with police forced to hold individuals who have been refused bail in their cells.
Not just the strikes, but New South Wales has now set a record for the highest number of inmates in custody across the state. This rapid spike in incarcerations now means there is an urgent need for more staff at Junee Correctional Centre. The number of inmates in custody across New South Wales has reached a record high, making the need for more staff at the Junee Correctional Centre critical.
At the time of writing, Junee had 728 inmates. They are currently recruiting, looking for staff to help with the influx of inmates. Across the state, there has been an 8.2% increase in inmates in the last four months, one of the fastest spikes in recent decades. Junee Correctional Centre currently has 300 staff, but is desperate to have even more on hand as the inmate number soars.
Currently open are tradesman roles, psychology roles, justice, health roles for nurses, and education, meaning a variety of roles are open.
Some have described it as a mini-city inside a jail.
Current staff say a career in corrections is incredibly rewarding for themselves, but also for offenders, especially when you see positive outcomes.
The facility staff are committed to non-profit areas, scout halls, and cemetery maintenance, including lawn and upkeep. Inmates currently have access to a range of facilities, including education programs.
Cells are currently getting renovated, and the new ones will contain an individual shower for each inmate. With more renovations and inmates, all that’s needed now is staff.
Cooke calls for Corrections Minister to resign
Staff at Junee Correctional Centre have joined their peers in a statewide strike against the NSW Labor Government’s plan to close two more maximum security wings at Goulburn Correctional Centre.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the industrial action by Corrective Services staff was yet another sign the corrections system is in crisis under the Minister for Corrections’ failed leadership.
“Today’s statewide walkout is a damning indictment of a Minister who has completely lost control of his portfolio,” Ms Cooke said.
“When corrections officers across the state feel forced to walk off the job because they are not being listened to, it demonstrates a complete breakdown in communication and leadership.”
“The best decision this Minister could make right now, in the interest of this state, is to hand in his resignation.”
The industrial action follows the NSW Government’s announcement earlier this year that it intends to close two maximum security wings at Goulburn Correctional Centre.
This is despite ongoing concerns around staffing shortages, inmate management, and officer safety across the broader corrections system.
Ms Cooke said the situation was particularly concerning for communities like Junee, where it remains unclear whether the local prison will be absorbing displaced inmates.
“Following the de-privatisation of Junee Jail, which is another example of the Minister’s lack of consultation, staff vacancies still remain a genuine concern,” Ms Cooke said.
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