LABOR’S UNION DEAL DELIVERS APRIL FOOLS’ JOKE TO JUNEE

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has slammed the NSW Minns Labor Government for its union-led takeover of Junee Correctional Centre, saying the community has been treated like fools in a backroom political deal that lacks integrity, planning, and any genuine care for the region.

“Today is April Fools’ Day — and sadly, it’s the people of Junee who are the punchline,” Ms Cooke said.

“The NSW Minns Labor Government has forced this transition through after blindsiding the community. Meaningful consultation has been sorely lacking, vital community support provided by GEO for decades has ceased, and JCC now starts day one of public management understaffed — by the union’s own admission.”

With operations now officially in the hands of Corrective Services NSW, Ms Cooke acknowledged the end of an era and commended GEO Group for their decades of service.

“GEO Group has supported Junee in ways far beyond their contract. For over 30 years, they’ve run a high-performing correctional centre and been an outstanding community partner — spending over $7.5 million annually with local businesses, funding community groups, and providing life-changing scholarships for local students,” she said.

“I am grateful to GEO for their dedicated service. Junee is a stronger community because of their presence. They leave behind a lasting legacy of correctional excellence and genuine community partnership that won’t be replicated.”

Ms Cooke said it was all the more disappointing that, despite this legacy, the NSW Minns Labor Government had prioritised a political deal with their union mates.

“It’s clear this decision was driven by politics and pressure from the Public Service Association, which has proudly claimed credit for the takeover and thanked Premier Minns for delivering on his promise to them. This is nothing more than a union payoff — Premier Minns and his Government have bowed to the union agenda at the expense of our region.”

“Let’s not forget, this Government also shelved the new Coolamon Hospital project just 30 minutes up the road —a $56 million investment that our community desperately needs. And yet they’ve found an extra $25 to $30 million a year in perpetuity to bring Junee under union control. The priorities here are shameful. The message to regional NSW is clear: You’re not a priority.”

Ms Cooke said Labor has failed to guarantee the continuation of the community support GEO provided.

“The Minister has refused to commit to continuing scholarships, community sponsorships, or contracts with local businesses. That’s funding ripped out of Junee with nothing promised in return.”

She also warned that cracks in the Government’s so-called ‘smooth transition’ are already showing.

“The union has conceded a recruitment drive is now underway, confirming the facility is understaffed on day one. Key inmate programs like the productive farm have already been shut down, and the future of the Meals on Wheels service, which provides hundreds of meals to vulnerable locals, is now uncertain.”

“This transition is not only political — it’s poorly planned and already stripping back services that matter.”

Ms Cooke said she would continue to hold the NSW Minns Labor Government accountable.

“I stand with the Junee community and every student, volunteer, and small business left worse off because of this Government’s decision.”