On 3 June 2026 delegates and CPSU industrial staff met for our bi-monthly Delegate Consultative Committee (DCC), the following was discussed.
Staffing levels and retention
Current staffing figures (June 2026): There are currently 188 Correctional Officers (CCOs) and a cohort of 26 new graduates from the Primary Training Course (PTC) are scheduled to finish on 22 June 2026. Another PTC course is slated to begin in two weeks, with positive enrolment numbers. The General Manager (GM) reported a significant improvement in staff retention. The attrition rate has dropped to zero departures this month, down from a historical high of 6 departures per month (and an average of 1 per month earlier in the year). Supervisors recruitment campaign is currently active to fill vacant supervisor positions.
Uniform and load bearing vests
Serco is currently waiting on a quote for new trousers as they seek a better option. Members should note that there are currently no sizes smaller than a size 8 available. Female staff requiring a size smaller than 8 are permitted to wear their own trousers in the interim, provided they obtain prior approval from the GM. This arrangement will remain in place until Serco secures a permanent supplier.
Serco has confirmed that the provision of load-bearing vests will be assessed on an individual need basis. Any staff member who believes they require a vest must undergo a risk assessment and provide supporting medical advice. Serco will issue an official communication detailing this process shortly.
Rostering and fatigue management
Due to increased staffing levels, Serco is adding two additional lines to the roster. This is a positive step designed to cover planned leave internally, reducing reliance on overtime and casual staff, and ultimately improving fatigue management. Overtime will still be utilised for unscheduled escorts.
Trade Instructors (TIs)
Casual Contracts Approved-Trade Instructors who wish to pick up overtime shifts as CCOs can now do so via casual contracts. To address union concerns regarding secondary employment tax rates, members can offset their tax liabilities by utilising salary sacrifice superannuation contributions.
For Industries/Trades staff who are required to work through their lunch breaks (due to the necessity of supervising inmates), this time will now be paid as overtime on a fortnightly basis. The GM will consult with Trades staff, and an official communication with specific details will be released soon.
The CPSU is still working with Serco regarding the pay disparities between 5-day (Mon-Fri) and 7-day Trades staff. The GM is continuing to investigate pay rate differences across these industries.
Non- custodial
Von Preston is now representing non-custodial members on the Clarence Advisory Group. Von reported positive feedback regarding the ongoing trial of flexible start and finish times for non-custodial staff.
For a copy of the minutes ask one of your Delegates to forward to you.
Next DCC is on 5 August. Please send through any agenda items via your delegates.
Contacts
Your Delegates
Mark Bathgate (Correctional Case Officer)
Kody Richards (Correctional Case Officer IAT)
Luke Binskin (Correctional Case Officer)
Isabella Cassidy (Correctional Case Officer)
Keri Parbery (Supervisor)
Heather Christie (Trade Instructor)
Von Preston (Non-Custodial)
PSA staff