In State Parliament today, Treasurer Foley announced that the building of the States primary Correctional facility at Murray Bridge has been delayed.

The State Government has decided that due to the current economic climate and financial crisis that the expenditure for the new prison proposal is to be withheld until 2013-14.

The PSA welcomes the announcement and will continue to campaign against the proposed location of the facility. The PSA has commissioned research that has clearly indicated that the proposal to locate the facilities in the Murray Bridge region will come at a significant and excessive cost to the State. Research also indicates that the proposal will have far reaching consequences in regard to the social and economic impact on the community of Murray Bridge for little gains.

The PSA will continue to pressure the Government of South Australia to make real investment in its current facilities and encourages an expansion of existing facilities including Yatala Labour Prison. The PSA is not opposed to the expansion of current Murray Bridge facilities, in conjunction with other facilities to encourage employment opportunities for its Mobilong staff, however it would encourage the Government to do so with appropriate consultation and negotiations with the PSA, Mobilong employees and the community of Murray Bridge.

The PSA is encouraging the Government of South Australia to invest in permanent and viable structures as opposed to the ongoing practice of doubling up prisoners, which culminated in the riot on Thursday 9 October at Pt Augusta Prison.

Now is the opportunity for genuine discussions to occur on an appropriate location for a new prison.

Please contact PSA Industrial Officer,Wayne Dungey should you have any questions or comments on 8205 3238 or email wkd@cpsu.asn.au