News Flash

The Public Service Association (PSA) met with Department for Correctional Services (DCS) management in February as part of Local Consultation in regard to the commissioning of the new 36 Bed unit at Port Lincoln Prison (PLP) and a possible increase in the capacity of PLP to double the bed space in a number of areas.

The PSA’s key concerns are to ensure that the commissioning of the new unit addresses the staffing needs and the safety and security of members working at the site.

Items identified as important by the PSA and Representatives were the lack of air conditioning in the new unit, considering the unit will house aging prisoners. The unit may eventually house mainstream inmates as part of the institutional count, which will also exacerbate the issue of a lack of effective climate control. The PSA expressed concerns over the construction of a “modern” unit in this decade with last century facilities. The PSA urged DCS to reconsider however DCS have indicated the design is locked in.

The PSA has also raised concerns over the potential staffing of the unit wanting to ensure that the staff mix includes a higher degree of experienced officers and that an emphasis on local recruitment will not result in the prison being overloaded with inexperienced new officers. Members had considerable concerns over the effect on operational safety and security that would result from an increase in inexperienced staff at the institution. The PSA is seeking a satisfactory ratio of experience and qualifications to complement the local recruitment of new officers.

There was significant discussion in regard to operating issues which will continue to be developed throughout the process. The PSA will be seeking to ensure that all areas are addressed including increasing the capacity of supporting resources and staffing in areas such as kitchen, laundry and administration, as well as operations to ensure the institutions resources are increased proportionally with the growth in the capacity of the prison.

The PSA will continue to consult with DCS to work through the establishment and commissioning of the new unit and any other potential other increase in the capacity of the prison over the coming months.

3 March 2010