“We need to be very clear: if you assault a prison officer who’s in the course of their duties then you get extra jail time. These laws were introduced for good reason, to keep people, who already have a highly dangerous job, safe.

“Custodial staff across NSW have had a gutful and they’ve taken action. Jails are full and now a legal measure to keep them safe has been ripped up.

“The government must urgently direct the Department Public Prosecution to review the Hamzy appeal.

“The offenders who end up in Goulburn Supermax are obviously very dangerous people.

“This is why it’s so important for prison officers’ rights to be first and foremost in the minds of decision makers. Prison officers are not punching bags and it is unacceptable for them to be treated as such.”

It houses the most dangerous prisoners in the country, but today, Goulburn Jail was run by a skeleton staff, after officers staged a mass walkout. @lizziedaniels #9News pic.twitter.com/nVdX6Gb2We

— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) March 8, 2019