PSA reaction to Government announcement of planned 600-bed jail at Grafton (PDF version)

I want to acknowledge the announcement made by the Government last week regarding the construction of a 600-bed facility at Grafton.

Firstly, there was no courtesy heads up from the Government and no opportunity was provided for the POVB or the Association to discuss this with the Minister or any member of the Government.

We will be continuing to do everything possible to change the Government’s position.

It is important at this point to remember we have members who currently work at Grafton Correctional Centre, who have now effectively been given notice that they will lose their jobs in around four years’ time. It is paramount their interests are taken into account from the very beginning. We will fight to protect their jobs from the decision made by the Government.

The Commissioner has indicated the operations at Grafton could now be upgraded. We will commence this process by meeting with members at Grafton and hearing what they have to say about all that is now in front of them.

 

Steven McMahon
Chairman | Prison Officers Vocational Branch