On 11 June 2026, the Public Service Association (PSA) appeared before Commissioner McDonald in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) regarding a covert trail camera allegedly hidden in the secure, staff-only tool shed at Mid North Coast Correctional Centre.
The PSA asked the IRC to examine whether the camera is in contravention of the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW) and the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW).
The union handed the photographs of the hidden device directly to the Commissioner, who noted this was concerning behaviour.
The Commissioner said she expects a comprehensive, uncompromised investigation that must include the relevant police referrals and that a formal communication to all affected members detailing the status of the investigation currently underway will be sent out.
This matter will return to the IRC on Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 2:00pm with Corrective Services NSW to provide a detailed update on exactly how its investigation is progressing.
The Department’s mandatory Workplace Surveillance Policy explicitly states that a failure to comply with surveillance legislation and notice requirements can result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. If the rank-and-file officers face dismissal for policy breaches, we expect nothing less if a manager is found to have illegally placed a camera to spy on staff.
The POVB State Executive will continue to drive this dispute through the IRC and we will report all updates as they come to hand.