As the result of the inadequate sentence of an inmate who assaulted an officer and held him hostage, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) Correctional Officers chose to take industrial action today.

CSNSW lodged a dispute in the Industrial Relations Commission as a result of this action. The PSA explained the position of our members and their frustration at both the lack of support from the judiciary and government agencies and the general frustration that their concerns are not listened to.

We raised the difficulties that Officers have faced over the past few years, including the increasing number of and severity of staff assaults, dealing with COVID and the critical staff shortages. We also discussed that this is done in circumstances where staff are not adequately supported by prosecuting authorities, mental health programs and they are not even recognised as an emergency service.

Eventually, the Commissioner of the IRC decided to issue two recommendations:

1. All staff are to return back to work, if a staff member is rostered to be at work, they are to immediately return to their work locations after receiving notification.
2. In locations where an extreme weather event is occurring, that staff immediately return to work to assist in the evacuation/support of the gaol.

The PSA has undertaken to inform our members that once you become aware of these recommendations, either by reading this bulletin or by receiving a phone call or reading an email from CSNSW, you are required to return to work. The PSA has distributed this bulletin to all members in CSNSW.

Contact details

Nicole Jess Chairperson
0427 609 199

Jason Charlton Vice Chairperson
0401 500 976

Natalie Howes Secretary
0407 011 441

Mark Hutchinson Assistant Secretary
0410 031 963

Darren King Country Vice Chair
0407 935 039

Thor Sutherland Country Vice Chair
0447 633 476

Clinton Lamb Vice Chair Overseer
0400 709 144

David McCauley POVB Industrial Officer
0419 022 767

David Bartle POVB Industrial Officer
0418 425 976

Trish O’Brien Welfare Officer
0412 120 391