Prison laws give inmates 'more rights'
Prisoners will have more rights than their guards if planned laws pass through Parliament, according to the Prison Officers' Union.
The union has reacted angrily to proposed changes by Corrective Services Minister Joe Francis, which include removing an officer's right to silence and being able to sack them if the department chief loses confidence in them.
"The concept that prison officers will be guilty until proven innocent over disciplinary matters is of great concern to us," union secretary John Welch said yesterday.
In a Bill read into Parliament yesterday, Mr Francis argued there were "cultural challenges" facing his department and the current internal process of disciplining or sacking officers needed changing.
The minister gave examples of a prison guard with links to organised crime, of officers having sexual relationships with inmates and of guards supplying drugs to bikies.
He said of 59 officers charged internally between 2011 and this year, only three were dismissed while 10 resigned.
Under the new no-confidence laws, officers would have 21 days to show why they should not be sacked.
The union said the powers to deal with corrupt or ill-disciplined officers already existed and had been used.
"Prison officers are already forced to provide evidence under the regulations because they can be sacked for not doing so," Mr Welch said. "Also, why do we need further legislation when the Corruption and Crime Commission has the power to compel officers to answer questions?"
Mr Francis said the vast majority of guards "uphold the highest standards of ethical behaviour".
"These measures have been designed to foster public confidence in the public sector, streamline processes and enhance accountability," he said.
Opposition spokesman Paul Papalia said the minister had declared war on his department without explaining why.
