News Flash

PSA MEETS WITH MINISTER

Yesterday (25 September), the PSA met with The Hon Carmel Zollo MLC, Minister for Correctional Services to discuss last week's budget announcement of the building of a new $411 million Correctional Services Precinct near Murray Bridge and the Pre-Release Centre at Cavan.

The PSA was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon, Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher, PSA Industrial Officer Simon Johnson and PSA Councillors Michael Griffiths and Pat Bell.

Minister Zollo confirmed the new precinct as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The PSA reiterated the view expressed by senior Government Officials at last week's budget that any PPP must “stack up” in a business sense prior to formal commencement of the process.

The PSA also expressed concerns regarding the consultative process in the interim prior to development. The Department for Correctional Services (DCS) Chief Executive advised that they are keen to establish two consultative forums. It is envisaged that one committee will deal with Human Resource transition principles and staffing matters, whilst another will act as a cross Government Services Group/Community Liaison.

Furthermore, DCS advised that a business case has been completed. The PSA was advised that this matter was kept confidential due to the budget process. The PSA provided feedback on the current concerns relating to the recruitment and retention of staff at Murray Bridge, hence the importance of the Government investigating options including incentives for employees to locate to the new future site, and also the option of the new prison not being at Murray Bridge.

The PSA has requested formal written documentation from DCS identifying all timelines and all other known issues relating to the establishment of the new precinct. At this stage, the Government believes the new precinct will be commissioned operational in 2011.

Clearly, the PSA is committed to ensuring no members are disadvantaged through this process. The PSA is keen to establish appropriate consultative forums to discuss DCS' concept of the new prison to enable genuine consultation on the matter.

The PSA will continue to keep members informed of further discussions.

PSA Industrial Officer Simon Johnson 8205 3261