The POVB State Executive writes to remind PSA members of the direction sent 27 March 2026 surrounding the activation of surge beds.
The POVB State Executive have been advised Strategic Population Management (SPM) will engage centres soon to reactivate surge beds.
The POVB State Executive categorically reject any attempts for surge beds to be activated while members endure closures at Amber Laurel Correctional Centre, Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre and Goulburn Correctional Centre.
POVB State Executive affirms the direction for any POVB Sub-Branch to reject any attempt to activate surge beds or take any inmates above the agreed operational state in the Centre Management Plan.
Direction to all sub‑branches
The POVB State Executive has issued the following directives:
- Stop all negotiations regarding any further inmate surge bed increases.
- Formally decline and deactivate all unfunded surge beds as soon as operationally possible.
- Return to your approved and funded management plans immediately.
These actions follow sustained pressure to accept additional inmates without corresponding funded posts and resources.
This has directly contributed to:
- increased lock‑ins
- rising tension across centres
- record‑high staff assault rates
- staffing shortages and operational instability
Upcoming bed closures under the Prison Bed Effectiveness Program will only intensify these pressures. We will not continue absorbing unfunded workloads that compromise staff safety.
A letter has also been sent to the Department by the POVB State Executive regarding the proposed changes to the filling of daily roster vacancies.
The letter can be viewed HERE.