New prison boss reveals his plans to stamp out jail romances

The new boss of the State’s prisons has declared jail romances “will no be tolerated” in an exclusive first interview.

The new boss of the State’s prisons has declared jail romances “will not be tolerated” as five prison officers are suspended for inappropriate relationships with inmates.

In his first interview since taking on the top job, NSW Corrective Services commissioner Gary McCahon has also vowed to stamp out the culture that had led to the rape and assault of women by former prison guard Wayne Astill, while also revealing he wanted to take a different approach at female inmates, many of whom he believed had ended up committing crimes as a result of being a victim of an abusive relationship.

New prison boss Gary McCahon, who is the new NSW Corrective Services Commissioner, at Long Bay Prison. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

The ex-Queensland prison dog squad boss who admitted he had wanted to become a police officer before taking on a job at a Townsville prison in the 1980s made the comments while taking The Sunday Telegraph on a tour of Long Bay jail.

In between greeting prison officers one by one, Mr McCahon declared the Astill saga as “horrific for everyone” and one of the reasons he took on the job.

Astill was found guilty last year of 27 charges, including aggravated sexual and indecent assault.

The former prison guard was jailed for a maximum of 23 years in 2023 for his crimes.

“It was horrific and one of the driving factors for me to take up this position and lead us through that change and reform,” Mr McCahon said.

A typical cell at Long Bay Prison, today. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Another issue facing jails universally that Mr McCahon said he wanted to tackle was inappropriate relationships between officers and inmates.

As of last week, there were five prison officers who had been suspended for having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate. Another female officer from Bathurst jail was also placed on special leave last week, pending an investigation into similar claims.

Inmate officer relationships pose a major security threat with vulnerable staff often the target of prisoners – “who have become more sophisticated and manipulative’ – wanting to smuggle in contraband or achieve some goal outside.

New laws were introduced last year to make it easier to convict prison staff engaging in sexual relationships with inmates, with Mr McCahon declaring legislation would make it easier to prosecute: “It simply won’t be tolerated.”

McCahon has also vowed to stamp out the culture that had led to the rape and assault of women by former prison guard Wayne Astill. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Mr McCahon also said he also wanted to examine the management of female prisoners.

“I want to look at how they are placed and managed,” he said.

“In my experience, many women in custody are victims of domestic violence. Their associations have led to them ending up here. I want to make sure they are being appropriately managed.”

Corrective Services Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said Mr McCahon would drive the necessary reform of the State’s prisons after some of its darkest days.

“Our goal is to reform and modernise and Gary will lead this mission,” he said.

Originally published as New prison boss reveals his plans to stamp out jail romances