Victorian prison staff told to shave under jail beard ban
PRISON workers have been ordered to shave under a new behind bars beard ban, with a memo telling staff they must farewell their facial hair by April 9.
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PRISON staff must shave following the announcement of a new behind-bars beard ban.
Corrections Victoria has informed staff in writing that the ban applies from April 9.
The memo, from bearded Acting Commissioner Rod Wise, says whiskers must go so that when breathing apparatus is used in emergencies there is an airtight seal to the face.
“We don’t think that it’s fair that staff who have beards or non-compliant moustaches should be able to stand aside when there is a fire, leaving it to clean-shaven colleagues to don the BA and respond to the emergency,” he wrote.
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The new rules also say that excessive make-up or sunscreen must be removed before breathing gear is donned.
Mr Wise said exemptions would be considered for staff who have facial hair for religious reasons.
The Community and Public Sector Union, which represents prison staff, said it had been negotiating on the matter for at least 12 months but no agreement could be reached, despite suggested alternatives.
“Corrections have decided to implement the beard ban anyway,” the CPSU’s Julian Kennelly said.
“Prison officers aren’t firefighters,” he said.
“There have always been enough clean-shaven, non-make-up-wearing staff rostered, until now, to do cell extractions when required.”
Several years ago, 16 police officers vainly challenged a 2012 Victoria Police beard ban in the Supreme Court, arguing that it was discriminatory.
Victoria Police allowed members neat moustaches, but not beards or other facial hair.
The officers argued the ban was unfair on grounds including that it made them less attractive and was against the religious beliefs of some, and that the guidelines caused them stress and anxiety.
Leading Senior Constable Michael Kuyken, who launched the appeal, argued the ban was “direct discrimination”, contrary to Victoria’s equal opportunity laws.
He also argued he had been victimised with respect to his freedom of expression.
But in 2014, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found that the ban was not discriminatory, a ruling upheld by the Supreme Court the following year.
Justice Gregory Garde agreed with VCAT that Senior Constable Kuyken’s goatee was not part of his identity.