The NT Corrections Commissioner and Commissioner for Public Employment today applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for an order to stop planned industrial action at Alice Springs correctional facilities, citing serious and unacceptable safety risks to staff, prisoners and the broader community.
The application relates to a proposed 12‑hour work stoppage by the United Workers Union (UWU) on Friday, 20 March 2026, affecting the Alice Springs Correctional Centre, Alice Springs Women's Prison and Alice Spring Reintegration Facility.
Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley said the proposed strike action, presents an unsafe operating model and unacceptable risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, prisoners and Alice Springs community and he has taken the unprecedented step of applying to the FWC to stop the action after consultation with senior frontline staff.
"Corrections has a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, prisoners and the community," Commissioner Varley said.
"These strike conditions significantly increase the risk to staff left behind to manage the prison during the strike and increase the risk of medical emergencies, prisoner altercations, self‑harm and unrest, and limit our ability to respond effectively."
While contingency planning has continued, including the deployment of supplementary staff to maintain essential operations including meal and medical rounds and health and welfare checks, the Commissioner said this is not a safe solution and he has an obligation to provide safe, secure and humane care to people in Corrections custody.
"Staff from across Youth Justice, Community Corrections, G4S and corporate teams have stepped forward to help maintain operations," Commissioner Varley said.
"However, asking non‑custodial staff to step into custodial environments without the same level of training is not something they should be required to do."
The application to the Fair Work Commission has been made under section 418 of the Fair Work Act, on the basis that the proposed industrial action threatens to endanger life, personal safety, health or the welfare of the population.
Commissioner Varley also condemned the timing of the proposed industrial action with several Territory communities currently recovering from flooding, while residents in other communities are being evacuated due to the threat of a severe tropical cyclone which could impact already vulnerable areas.
"Planning a 12-hour work stoppage is also completely inappropriate at a time when Corrections staff are actively supporting flood recovery efforts, emergency evacuation centres and are preparing for a severe cyclone in the coming days."
"Corrections should be focused on supporting Territorians during emergency situations, but instead operational resources are being diverted to maintain essential operations during industrial action."
The Commissioner is expected to give evidence before the Fair Work Commission with an outcome expected later today.
