The Minns Labor Government has taken the first steps to bring the management of Junee Correctional Centre into public hands, for the first time.
US multi-national GEO Group currently holds the contract.
The decision to move the management of this crucial service to the public sector will lock in around 340 well-paid public-sector jobs for the region.
Following the expiry of the existing contract with GEO Group in March 2025, centre management will be taken over by Corrective Services NSW. Junee Correctional Centre will remain a crucial part of the NSW prison network.
Corrective Services NSW operates Australia’s largest prison system, responsible for approximately 9,200 inmates across 31 correctional centres.
Corrective Services and Justice Health will work with employees, the community and GEO Group through this period.
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“This is just the first step in this process which won’t be completed until 2025.
“This is a win for frontline staff and the community. It means locking in stable, secure and well-paid public-sector jobs for the region.
“We’ll consider all options as contracts for other privately run facilities get closer to renewal with a focus on delivering the best value for NSW and better outcomes for communities and the inmates.”