PSA Media release

The Public Service Association (PSA) has welcomed today’s announcement of a Parliamentary Inquiry into the scandal ridden Parklea private prison.

The union has been calling for an inquiry into Parklea for sometime and this week backed a push by Opposition Leader Luke Foley for Parliament to formally investigate the prison’s operations.

The inquiry announcement follows reports of further damning incidents including allegations of improper conduct by senior management towards junior staff.

“An inquiry into the management of Parklea Prison is long overdue,” said PSA General Secretary, Stewart Little, “and we welcome today’s announcement and thank Luke Foley for his support.”

“Parklea appears to be a law unto itself – the law of the jungle – and its operation shrouded in secrecy. Already this year there’s been scandalous incidents around weapons, drugs and a serious assault on a Prison Officer who was only saved from a life threatening wound by his name badge.”

“There is no transparency or accountability in private prisons – that’s the whole idea.

“The Government must return Parklea to the public prison system.”

“Society can’t afford to privatise prisons.”