Major Prison Security Overhaul Following Violent Attack
The New South Wales government has launched a comprehensive review of how inmates are classified as maximum security after four prison guards were brutally bashed in an unprovoked attack at Cessnock Correctional Centre.
Minister for Corrections Services NSW, Anoulack Chanthivong, announced the review on November 10, 2025, stating the action was being taken to strengthen staff safety at correctional facilities across the state.
Shocking Incident Sparks System-Wide Changes
The safety of corrections officers came under intense scrutiny last month when Cameron Welsh, 26, received a community-based sentence in local court for assaulting four prison guards at Cessnock Correctional Centre in February 2025.
Disturbing CCTV footage showed Welsh attacking a prison guard before ripping off his own shirt and unleashing on others. Images of the officers' facial injuries circulated widely as corrections staff walked off the job in protest of what they described as a "slap on the wrist" sentence.
The comprehensive review will assess the effectiveness of CSNSW's classification, placement and case management processes, ensuring an inmate's record of behaviour in custody carries appropriate weight.
Government Takes Strong Stance on Prison Safety
Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW, Gary McCahon, is conducting the review alongside stakeholders including staff members and the Public Service Association.
"Working in a prison is a tough job at the best of times and correctional officers put themselves at risk to keep us all safe. They deserve our gratitude, and they deserve to be safe on the job," Minister Chanthivong stated.
Commissioner McCahon emphasized that CSNSW takes a zero-tolerance approach to assaults on staff and fully supports criminal prosecution of offenders. He has also written to NSW Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions requesting an appeal against Welsh's sentence.
The ODPP confirmed a sentence appeal was filed last week, with a hearing scheduled in Newcastle District Court for later this month. Separately, the commissioner submitted an urgent application to the State Parole Authority formally opposing Welsh's release when he becomes eligible.
Currently, CSNSW must review an inmate's classification and placement every 12 months, or sooner if involved in a serious incident. Classification factors include the seriousness of offending, sentence length, and attitude and conduct in custody.
The review represents part of broader state government efforts to improve safety for corrections officers, coming alongside recently introduced legislation that would change the standard of proof for determining correctional centre offences.
