Article in the Daily Examiner – 30 October 2015

UPDATE 1.00pm: A corrective services spokesperson has said no decision has been made at this stage.

EARLIER: THE UNION representing prison officers is claiming a victory as arrangements to open another 86 bed at Grafton jail are finalised.

The general secretary of the Public Service Association, Anne Gardiner, said the Department of Corrective Services decision to reopen the beds has come after a sustained campaign by the PSA since the government effectively closed Grafton jail in 2012.

The victory is not only a win for the local community and ecomony in terms of jobs but helps ease the overcrowding crisis in the NSW prison system which has posed major work health and safety issues for Correctional Officers.

PSA General Secretary, Anne Gardiner first alerted Premier Baird to the overcrowding crisis with a letter in December 2014.

Anne Gardiner highlighted the need for Grafton to be reopened as a matter of urgency to deal with the situation.

“Since then this union has fought a tireless battle to place the need to reopen Grafton on the Government’s radar while generating support at a local community level,” said Anne Gardiner.

“This campaign demonstrates how the union, working with the broader community including National MP Chris Gulaptis, Clarence Valley Council Mayor Richie Williamson and President of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce John Shearer can produce an outstanding result for regional NSW.”

“I am delighted that the PSA has been able to make such a strong contribution to the Grafton region but we could not have achieved this without community support.”