The Liberal and Nationals Government has moved to transition hundreds of prison officers onto mainstream industrial awards, abolishing a system that had them working under different conditions.
Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said moving officers onto mainstream awards at Kempsey, Dillwynia, Wellington and John Morony prisons will encourage staff mobility between centres and level working conditions.
“It’s a fantastic outcome to be able to work to bring these staff into existing awards and abolish what was essentially a two-tier system,” Dr Lee said.
“I’m pleased that I’ve been able to achieve this resolution and do away with any disparity.”
Public Service Association General Secretary Stewart Little said the rescission of the KDWJ Award has been consistently raised by PSA members and delegates.
“The determined advocacy of PSA delegates has been heard by CSNSW, and we commend CSNSW on not only listening to our members’ concerns, but also undertaking the extensive work required to affect the changes under the current legislative requirements,” Mr Little said.
CSNSW Commissioner Kevin Corcoran said the KDWJ Award has been in place for about 15 years, but it was time to bring the four sites into line with other prisons.
“The move will help the centres attract and retain officers, including senior staff who would’ve previously lost entitlements if they’d have transferred to any of the four centres,” Mr Corcoran said.