Union calls out NT Department of Corrections for ‘unacceptable’ Christmas expectations

Despite a fresh injection of correctional officers, and more on the way, the United Workers Union’s NT secretary says existing officers, particularly in Alice Springs, will be working days up to 16 hours to cover shortfalls.

This Christmas is not a happy time for staff of the Territory’s under-pressure Correctional Services, a union boss says, amid ongoing workload pressures and safety concerns.

United Workers Union NT secretary Erina Early said the situation has spiralled “out of control,” with the outlook for Alice Springs particularly stormy.

“Correctional officers in Alice Springs are under immense pressure everyday to keep the centre running,” Ms Early said.

“Recruitment is not keeping up as we lose so many officers for whatever reasons.

“Officers are constantly doing 16 hour days, starting at 2am, 4am, and then completing a 12hr shift.

“Most days Alice [Springs] is short 25 officers.

“Fatigue and stress is out of control for my members.

Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley holds a press conference in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Officers are at breaking point.”

On Wednesday, it was reported a record number of prisoners were recorded in Territory prisons, with 2497 inmates behind bars, up by nearly 30 inmates from the week prior.

Nothing is going to change over the Christmas period, Ms Early said.

“It is absolutely unacceptable and dangerous, however, there is an expectation the Department of Corrections will expect officers to work additional hours, work unsafely and continue to work in a highly volatile environment,” she said.

“NT correctional officers know that corrections is out of control and the safety to officers, as well as prisoners, is at considerable risk.”

Ms Early said the NT government’s masterplan to build and refurbish correctional facilities to increase capacity was not viable with the current workforce.

“Seven-hundred prisoners now [in Alice Springs], there’ll be 800 when the new build is complete,” she said.

Unions NT secretary Erina Early. Picture: Floss Adams

“Then 48 women in a standalone prison, so 850 prisoners soon, all have to be staffed with the correctional officer numbers we have now.

“NT corrections are well aware they need more correctional officers.”

In response to the union’s concerns, Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said corrections workers should be commended.

He said the NT’s unfavourable position in terms of prison overcrowding was because “for eight years, Labor ignored the growing problem”.

“We acknowledge the challenges our staff are facing and commend them for their hard work, dedication and resilience,” Mr Maley said.

“Corrections are responding to increased police activity and the expectations of the community.

“As the Corrections Commissioner [Matthew Varley’ said last week, our officers are stretched and are working hard, which includes working around the clock to progress our infrastructure masterplan to meet these needs.”

Mr Maley said once the next crop of corrections trainees graduate in 2025, it would bring the total corrections officers in the NT to more than 700 – the highest number ever in the NT.

“The government appreciates our corrections staff and is backing them with a strong plan for the future,” he said.

“Last week we swore in 17 new staff and have another 40 due to commence training in January.”

Originally published as Union calls out NT Department of Corrections for ‘unacceptable’ Christmas expectations