Thursday, 2 November 2017
CHANGES to staffing at Glen Innes Correctional Centre will create two new full-time jobs, in a positive move to simplify employment and boost inmate’s safety and security.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the increase in staffing would benefit inmates and the community alike.
“Thanks to these new changes, 45 men and women will now work at Glen Innes Correctional Centre, looking after a maximum of 220 inmates,” Mr Marshall said.
“This 4.6 per cent increase in full-time positions comes as a result of an effort to streamline current staffing arrangements and will improve the lives of staff and the inmates under their care and control.
The changes have come about as a result of new benchmarks applied to the Centre.
Currently, several managerial roles are shared on a rostered basis. If approved after consultation with staff, several rotational roles will change into a full-time position, with a boost in the number of Senior Correctional Officers from three to nine.
“These changes will make staffing more efficient and effective, while also increasing overall employment for Glen Innes,” Mr Marshall said.
“Every shift will have a maintained or increased number of permanent frontline staff rostered on.
“Glen Innes Correctional Centre has a unique low security environment, which allows inmates to work in the centre’s sawmill and associated industries, help out with community projects and have free movement within the grounds.
“This flexibility puts a focus upon rehabilitation and reducing rates of reoffending when inmates return to society. It is a modern response to custodial sentences and is utilised when offenders show good prospects of changing their lives for the better.
“Glen Innes Correctional Centre has the capacity to house more inmates and this staffing increase will help provide the necessary support to make that happen.”