Cessnock prison suspensions:justice delayed is justice denied

"I am aware that all three of the suspended officers have been told that their suspensions have been extended for months to come," said Ms Hale.

"The reason for the continued suspension is supposedly to permit a re-examination of the charges against the officers, even though they believe no new information will come to light.

“I am concerned that the delay in resolving the charges is unfair and unreasonable, and will have a severe impact on the health of the officers and their families.

"In at least two cases the charges appear to stem from conversations between the suspended officers and management at Cessnock Correctional Centre and with senior officers of the Department and do not relate to how the officers carried out their duties.

"If so, I can only conclude that the suspensions constitute reprisals against staff who took a leading role in opposing the privatisation of the Cessnock prison. The payback is consistent with the culture of bullying, emanating from the top of the Department of Corrective Services that many prison officers have complained about.

"Rather than punishing prison officers, the Department must acknowledge the stresses experienced by officers and their families as a result of the failed privatisation, and focus on rebuilding the trust of corrections staff across NSW.  The best way to start this process is to resolve matters between staff and management in a prompt and professional way."

"The old maxim that justice delayed is justice denied is true in the case of these three officers.

"I have written today to the Minister for Corrective Services, John Robertson, asking him to ensure that staff at Cessnock Correctional Centre are not victimised but are properly supported by management, and account is taken of the on-going stressful impact of recent events on staff and their families.To this end, the Department must resolve all disciplinary matters at the earliest opportunity,” Ms Hale concluded.

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