Parliamentary inquiry to prisons and ministerial response on benchmarking – March 2018 (PDF version)
Parliamentary Inquiry
The NSW Parliament- Legal Affairs Committee has called an Inquiry into NSW Prisons. The Inquiry was originally limited in scope to just Parklea and private gaols after recent issues with contraband and security at Parklea. Since the Inquiry’s inception however, the terms of reference (found HERE) have been expanded to include Rapid Build Gaols and Benchmarking.
The PSA / CPSU NSW has been developing a comprehensive submission on all terms of reference and due to the expansion of the terms of reference have sought and been provided with an extension of time for our submission.
Our focus in these areas of Rapid Build Gaols and Benchmarking is on the safety of all staff and gaol security with the proposed reductions in staff numbers and knowledge.
The PSA welcomes members’ comments in relation to benchmarking or rapid build gaols via email at , but due to Parliamentary Committee conventions will be required to redact details before inclusion in submissions or tabling when giving oral evidence.
Benchmarking
The PSA currently have an industrial dispute over benchmarking and wrote to Minister Elliott in February about serious concerns the PSA has about consultation and safety of prisons after benchmarking. We sought to meet with Minister Elliott and to have him halt the benchmarking process until the Committee has released its report and the Government has responded.
Minister Elliott has responded and refused to halt the benchmarking process or meet with your POVB and non custodial representatives in the attached letter. You can read that letter HERE.
The PSA will continue to work with delegates and Health and Safety Representatives to push back on the benchmarking job cutting process and encourages members to discuss this letter with their workmates. The Parliamentary Inquiry will provide a significant spotlight on privatised gaols and also the effects of overcrowding and job cuts on NSW Gaols.