NSW Prisons: Correctional officers issued warning they could be sacked over vaccine refusal

Correctional officers across the state have been issued warnings they could be sacked for refusing Covid vaccines. See the latest.

The Sunday Telegraph get an inside look into Silverwater Jail in Sydney during the COVID-19 pandemic. An inmate on the COVID cleaning team pictured deep cleaning a cell after an inmate is moved. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Correctional officers across the state have been put on notice they could be sacked for failing to get the Covid vaccine — months after the Communities and Justice Department issued mandates for the vaccination of all staff.

Correctional officers were sent notices of possible action last week. Picture: Tim Hunter.

A Corrections source, who did not wish to be named, told NewsLocal Corrective Services NSW was also investigating the validity of medical exemptions issued to the department by officers, while others who had “already refused vaccination without cause have been told they could be sacked”.

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“More than a dozen have been issued notification this week, with a warning that their employment could be terminated as one of several options on the cards from Corrective Services,” the source said. “Others who submitted medical exemption letters to head office will be scrutinised.”

Acting Corrective Services Commissioner Kevin Corcoran.

A CSNSW spokeswoman told NewsLocal a total of 21 officers had “allegedly not complied with the DCJ’s COVID-19 vaccination policy” as of November 10.

“Failure to comply with DCJ’s vaccination policy triggers a misconduct process, in line with Government Sector Employment Rules and overseen by Corrective Services NSW’s Professional Standards Branch,” the spokeswoman said.

Correctional officers could be sacked for refusing the Covid vaccine. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“This three-step process ensures allegations are put to each officer and they’re provided an opportunity to respond. So far, no cases have progressed to termination.

“This will not affect the safety and security of our operations.”

Public Services Association general secretary, Stewart Little, said risk assessments conducted for custodial settings were “at critical levels”.

“What we’ve always done is encourage officers and our members to be guided by their doctor,” Mr Little said.

Stewart Little of the PSA. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“Some people have medical conditions and there were issues with a handful of officers who are pregnant — but others just do not want to be vaccinated.

“They make that conscience decision and so be it — but we can’t ignore the risks.”

Mr Little said of the 7500 PSA members in corrections, less than 30 had raised “appropriate” medical issues with the department.