Maryborough prison officers protest pay, overcrowding

Maryborough correctional officers have walked off the job amid overcrowding and safety fears.

Maryborough prison officers walked off the job this week to demand better pay and work conditions.

Guards at Maryborough’s overcrowded jail walked off the job this week to demand better pay and conditions.

According to the Together Union, officers fear for their safety amid out of control prison populations which are plaguing most state facilities.

Maryborough Correctional Centre –

Larger detention centres for problem prisoners and greater access to crowd control gas was also called for.

After walking off the job about 6.30am on Wednesday, it is understood the officers returned to work about 2.30pm.

A response from Queensland Corrective Services confirmed some correctional centres, including Maryborough, had a delayed unlock on Wednesday due to off-site officer meetings discussing a range of issues.

“Contingency planning was in place to ensure the safety and security of the prisons during the meeting, including an emergency response capability, and to ensure that prisoners receive meals and medications as necessary,” the spokesman said.

“QCS custodial officers are the best trained and resourced in Australasia, and we take a collaborative and evidence-based approach to ensure we are providing the safest possible working environments for our officers.”