The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to come clean with the people of NSW regarding their plans for Corrective Services across the State.
Last week it emerged that wings would be closed at Bathurst, Cessnock, Goulburn and Long Bay from 12 February, but conflicting reports about the consultation undertaken requires the Minister for Corrections to come clean on the Government’s plans.
“On the one hand, the Department of Corrections claim sufficient consultation was undertaken, while on the other hand, the Public Services Association say the upcoming closures had been “badly handled” and the union hadn’t been made aware of the plans,” Shadow Minister for Corrections Mark Taylor said.
“The big question mark is over the future security of jobs at these centres, particularly in the regional centres of Bathurst and Goulburn, the Minister must come clean and guarantee these jobs.”
“The Minns Labor Government went to the election promising integrity, accountability, transparency and fairness, yet this is another example of the Labor Government making swift decisions behind closed doors with no consultation with the public.”
The NSW Opposition said this is yet another example of the Minister missing in action.
“It’s clear that the Minister simply doesn’t have time for this Portfolio. The Minister for Corrections must come clean on his decision to not meet with the Public Services Union to discuss these closures,” Mr Taylor said.
“It follows the decision in October to hand control of the Junee Correctional Facility to the heavily unionised Corrective Services NSW, a decision that was taken without the Minister even visiting the Junee Correctional Centre.”
“The Minister’s hands-off approach should alarm every person in NSW, we need a Minister who cares about the state of Corrections.”
