Prison officers at Wellington Correctional Centre are being transitioned onto the mainstream industrial award, abolishing a system that had them working under different conditions to their Macquarie Correctional Centre counterparts.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said moving officers onto mainstream awards will level working conditions, and encourage mobility between the two centres.
“For years I’ve heard from local prison officers that the two-tier system was not only unfair for the officers, but also made it hard for them to run our correctional facilities in the best and most efficient way possible,” Mr Saunders said.
“That hinders our ability to rehabilitate inmates, which is the primary role of our correctional facilities.
“I’ve worked closely with both the current and former Minister for Corrections, and I’m really pleased we’ve been able to achieve this outcome.”
Wellington Senior Correctional Officer Adam Heather first met with Mr Saunders several years ago in his role as a union representative, and has been happy to see the progress made since that time.
He said officers at Wellington will now enjoy the same base pay and overtime as their Macquarie Correctional Centre counterparts, which will improve the staff attraction and retention issues that have plagued the facility.
“Thank you,” Mr Heather said.
“I’ve spoken to Mr Saunders on numerous occasions over the years – about more than just the award – and in every conversation we’ve had he’s always been willing to step up and speak to the right people, and his support has definitely helped.
“It’s been 15 years in the making. Clearly the award wasn’t as effective as it should have been, but now we can finally more forward, and be properly recognised for the work that we do – and it’s only going to benefit our community.”