COOKE CALLS FOR CORRECTIONS MINISTER TO RESIGN AS JAIL STAFF STRIKE
- Steph Cooke MP
- May 21
- 2 min read
Staff at Junee Correctional Centre have joined their peers in a statewide strike against the NSW Labor Government’s plan to close two more maximum security wings at Goulburn Correctional Centre.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the industrial action by Corrective Services staff was yet another sign the corrections system is in crisis under the Minister for Corrections’ failed leadership.
“Today’s statewide walkout is a damning indictment of a Minister who has completely lost control of his portfolio,” Ms Cooke said.
“When corrections officers across the state feel forced to walk off the job because they are not being listened to, it demonstrates a complete breakdown in communication and leadership.”
“The best decision this Minister could make right now, in the interest of this state, is to hand in his resignation.”
The industrial action follows the NSW Government’s announcement earlier this year that it intends to close two maximum security wings at Goulburn Correctional Centre.
This is despite ongoing concerns around staffing shortages, inmate management, and officer safety across the broader corrections system.
Ms Cooke said the situation was particularly concerning for communities like Junee, where it remains unclear whether the local prison will be absorbing displaced inmates.
“Following the de-privatisation of Junee Jail, which is another example of the Minister's lack of consultation, staff vacancies still remain a genuine concern,” Ms Cooke said.
“Across the system, morale is collapsing, and yet the Minister appears incapable of providing certainty or stability to the people working on the frontline.”
“A Minister who doesn’t respect consultation, who can’t negotiate in good faith, and who refuses to work with the communities where his decisions are having real impact shouldn’t be in the role.”
