NT prison officers resounding 98 per cent no confidence vote in Commissioner Matthew Varley

After corrections workers delivered a resounding no confidence vote for the Territory’s prison boss, the Minister has hit back accusing the union of ‘fearmongering’ and trying to ‘strongarm’ the government.

The United Workers Union released the results of their no confidence vote, which said 98 per cent of workers no longer trusted the leadership of the Territory’s prison system, Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Corrections workers have delivered a resounding no confidence vote for the Territory’s prison boss, calling for an “immediate” dismissal of Commissioner Matthew Varley.

On Friday the United Workers Union released the results of their no confidence vote, which said 98 per cent of workers no longer trusted the leadership of the Territory’s prison system.

The poll of 519 correctional officers — 87 per cent of union membership — found only two per cent said they still believed in the leadership of Mr Varley.

United Workers Union NT breach secretary Erina Early called on Corrections Minister Gerard Maley to stand down Mr Varley “immediately”.

The petition was hand delivered to the Treasurer Bill Yan – not the Corrections Minister – on Friday morning, while Mr Maley had the letter emailed to him.

United Workers Union NT secretary Erina Early standing outside NT Parliament House with more than 40 Corrections officers on Tuesday February 11, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Early said prison workers still had trust in Mr Yan, saying as the former general manager of the Alice Springs Correctional Centre he understood what it was like working behind the wire.

“He’s still considered one of them,” Ms Early said.

The letter to Mr Yan and Mr Maley stated that worker no longer felt that the Commissioner could ensure a safe workplace amid crisis level prisoner numbers.

“NT Correctional Officers have lost all confidence in Northern Territory Corrections Minister and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Varley,” Ms Early said.

“Commissioner Varley has never respected the risk correctional officers face everyday.”

“(They) have had serious concerns that they may not come home after each shift.”

Ms Early said the breaking point for workers was the passing of the prison privatisation bill last week.

Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley and NT deputy Chief Minister Minister Gerard Maley speaking outside of NT Parliament on Thursday ahead of a vote on a bill that will allow private contractors to take on prison officer roles. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Correctional Services Legislative Amendment Bill 2025 allowed Mr Varley to hire private contractors or interstate workers to take over prison duties, to manage staffing demands.

Under the proposed legislation there are no limits to where the private contractors could be deployed in the prison system, with the ‘special correctional officer’ given the same powers and regulations as NT Corrections staff.

Mr Varley promised they would only be used for external “ancillary” roles, hospital escorts, guarding local court appearances, and in the watch houses.

These shifts come with significant high overtime and bonuses, with the union maintaining the privatisation move was clearly aimed at cutting costs, not alleviating pressure on staff.

More than 40 Corrections officers and United Workers Union staff marched into the NT Parliament House on Tuesday February 11, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In her letter to Mr Maley Ms Early said the officers were “extremely demoralised and dismayed” with the legislation [NT Corrections Act] being passed on urgency.

Ms Early said staffing shortfalls were being used as a scapegoat for the real issue facing Corrections, a lack of beds and cells.

More than 40 Corrections officers and United Workers Union staff marched into the NT Parliament House on Tuesday February 11, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Despite the Corrections Commissioner having no control over the number of people sent to his care, Ms Early blamed Mr Varley for a failure to “manage the growing prisoner numbers over the years of his appointment”.

“Commissioner Varley failed to consider other options or new initiatives and failed to deliver new infrastructure in a timely manner,” she said.

“These correctional officers are so upset, they voted for the CLP, and they feel that the CLP has actually just turned their back on them,” she said.

On Friday Mr Maley said Mr Varley had his “full support”, and accused the union of trying to “fearmonger” and “strongarm this government into abandoning necessary reforms”.

“I will not be pressured into United Workers Union secretary Erina Early’s demands, including backing away from critical legislative changes designed to support the workforce,” he said.

Mr Maley dismissed allegations Mr Varley was “misleading officers”, or did not respect the risks his workers faced.

“This is nothing more than an irresponsible attempt to spread misinformation, create fear, and undermine confidence at a time when officers need stability and certainty,” he said.

Mr Maley criticised the union for previously called for more staff, and then rejecting the government’s solution to the crisis.

“She can’t have it both ways. On one hand she says she wants more officers, on the other she opposes the very measures that would give them that,” he said.

Originally published as NT prison officers resounding 98 per cent no confidence vote in Commissioner Matthew Varley