- 91 new Custodial Correctional Officers graduate to Queensland’s frontline.
- The graduation at the Corrective Services Academy in Wacol is this year’s largest.
The Miles Government is doing what matters to strengthen Queensland’s frontline.
After completing an intensive, 10-week Custodial Corrections Officer (CCO) Entry Program, 91 recruits this week graduated from the Queensland Corrective Services Academy at Wacol.
It’s the largest cohort of QCS graduates so far in 2024.
Member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh welcomed the State’s newest Correctional Officers to the service with certificates recognising their achievement.
Included are eight graduates with previous Corrections experience in New Zealand, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and South Australia.
It’s estimated more than 850 CCOs will have graduated from the QCS Academy between July and December.
The 91 graduates begin their careers in South East Queensland correctional centres and the Escort and Security Branch.
Two CCOs were also recognised with Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.
As stated by Member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh:
“I want to thank our newest Correctional Officers for their commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe.
“Graduates bring to the frontline the new skills and the expert training of the QCS Academy’s instructors.
“These recruits will be an exceptional asset to Queensland Corrective Services’ laser-like focus on innovative, evidence-based rehabilitation.”
As stated by Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd:
“Congratulations to Queensland’s newest Correctional Officers.
“This is the biggest graduation ceremony so far this year and since July, we’ve seen more than 850 recruits commit to frontline Corrective Services careers.
“It’s another example of the Miles Government doing what matters for Queenslanders by growing skilled frontline jobs to reduce prisoner re-offending.
“We need the right people with expert training to keep correctional centres running smoothly, because keeping Queenslanders safe is a Miles Government priority.
“The LNP slashed critical frontline corrections jobs when last in government and made life more difficult for the corrections teams left behind.”
As stated by QCS Commissioner, Paul Stewart APM:
“We welcome the 91 new Custodial Correctional Officers to Queensland Corrective Services and thank them for their commitment to helping keep communities safe.
“Working in corrections can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding so I am not surprised that our newest colleagues with previous corrections experience are bringing that commitment over the border and across the Tasman to continue their vocation here in Queensland.
“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we strive to ensure they are supported as they carry out their often-unseen duties.
“Every interaction our officers have is an opportunity to address offending behaviour and to improve the vocational and life skills of prisoners, assisting in their rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community.”
Academy graduation images are here:
