The NSW Government is establishing Corrective Services NSW as a standalone public service agency as part of work to lift standards and improve outcomes following the Astill Special Commission of Inquiry.
This reform will deliver a more accountable and transparent system that keeps people in NSW safe.
Currently, the Commissioner of Corrective Services is appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice but subject to the direction of the Minister for Corrections.
Under the changes, the Commissioner of Corrective Services will be the head of the agency. The Commissioner will be appointed directly by the Minister for Corrections and will report directly to the Minister.
This brings the Commissioner of Corrective Services role into line with other frontline Commissioner roles in the NSW Government, such as Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW State Emergency Services.
This is appropriate for an agency with about 10,000 staff and around 13,000 inmates.
It also reflects the seriousness with which the Government is taking the response to the Astill Special Commission of Inquiry.
Led by the Honourable Peter McClellan AM KC, the Astill Inquiry highlighted the systemic workplace culture, leadership, and other organisational issues in Corrective Services NSW which have been left unaddressed over the past decade.
The changes announced today will set up Corrective Services NSW to implement overdue reforms in an effective and efficient manner.
The changes are a part of the Government’s plan to rebuild public confidence and trust in the NSW correctional system.
While Corrective Services NSW will no longer be wrapped into to the Department of Communities and Justice, the department will continue to play a role providing some executive and administrative services, and overseeing professional conduct, investigation and disciplinary process.
Corrective Services NSW will become a standalone public service agency on 1 October.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Today’s announcement improves accountability and sets up Corrective Services NSW to deliver essential reforms.
“Having the agency accountable directly to the Minister for Corrections makes sense and brings it into line with other frontline commissioner roles.”
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“The Astill Inquiry found that our corrections system had not met the expectations of the community, the NSW Government, or the majority of its 10,000 staff.
“Today’s changes will help deliver clearer reporting lines and greater certainty for staff, the community and inmates.
“Crucially, these changes will make the Department of Communities and Justice better able to oversee misconduct investigations.
“Once appointed, the Commissioner will need to progress the reform plan we’ve put in place and with these changes they’ll have the authority and mandate to do it.”