Correctional officers across New South Wales have taken a dramatic stand, walking off the job in protest after a violent inmate received what they're calling a "slap on the wrist" for a brutal assault on prison staff.
Industrial Action Sweeps NSW Prisons
The statewide industrial action began on Tuesday morning, with prison officers from multiple facilities participating in stop-work meetings. The protest comes in response to a recent court decision that saw a dangerous inmate avoid additional jail time despite committing a serious assault within the prison system.
Union representatives have expressed outrage at the suspended sentence, arguing it sends a dangerous message to both inmates and correctional staff who put their safety on the line daily.
'A Kick in the Guts' for Frontline Staff
"This decision is absolutely devastating for our members," said a spokesperson for the prison officers' union. "When violent offenders can assault frontline workers and essentially walk away with no consequences, it completely undermines the safety of our correctional system."
The attack in question left multiple prison staff members with significant injuries, both physical and psychological. Several officers required medical treatment following the incident, with some facing ongoing trauma.
Safety Concerns Reach Breaking Point
Prison officers have long raised concerns about safety within NSW correctional facilities, citing increasing violence and inadequate consequences for assaults on staff. This latest court decision appears to have been the final straw for many frontline workers.
"We cannot continue to put our bodies on the line when the justice system fails to protect us," one officer stated during the industrial action. "This suspended sentence is a green light for more violence."
Impact on Prison Operations
The industrial action has significantly disrupted normal operations across multiple correctional facilities. While essential services are being maintained, visitor programs, inmate transfers, and other non-essential activities have been affected.
Corrective Services NSW has acknowledged the industrial action and stated they're working to minimise disruptions while addressing staff concerns about safety and support.
Calls for Judicial Review
The prison officers' union is calling for an urgent review of sentencing guidelines for assaults on correctional staff. They argue that stronger penalties are needed to deter violence within the prison system and properly acknowledge the risks faced by frontline workers.
"Our members deserve to know that if they're attacked while doing their job, the justice system will have their back," the union representative emphasised. "Right now, that's not happening."
The industrial action continues as negotiations between the union and corrective services management remain ongoing, with prison officers vowing to maintain their protest until meaningful changes are implemented to address safety concerns.
