The CLP Government is expected to announce it will change current legislation to permit “probationary” corrections officers into the job without having to complete current training requirements, a move criticised by the union as raising serious safety issues for the public and officers, while also taking the “first step towards privatisation” of the NT’s jails.
Following a meeting with Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley on Thursday, Unions NT secretary Erina Early said she was told the government would be passing legislation to bring in “probationary” or “special” corrections officers on urgency next week in Parliament, who would not require the same level of training as current corrections officers.
A thought previously we had “contract security guards” in Don Dale taking mobile phone footage of under 18’s and then sharing that footage back at the gym. Regards Nick
Nothing new there. NT Families assigned a person that hadn’t even completed induction to Don Dale. Shortly after the start of their shift some youths got out of control and entered the guard room. The night ended with a fire in a cell in another block and TRG being brought in before the firies could do their job.
Meanwhile people are opposing the incarceration of these troublemakers.
Serco have been itching to get a foothold for years.