The Corrections Amendment Bill 2025 introduced by the Allan Labor Government falls short on protecting corrections staff, despite urgent calls for stronger safety measures.
In the past year alone, there have been 442 assaults on staff, including 10 sexual assaults and six incidents requiring hospitalisation.
In a decisive vote of no-confidence on May 1, 2025, an overwhelming 94.75% of CPSU members rejected the leadership of the Commissioner of Corrections Victoria, citing life-threatening working conditions. Despite this clear message, the Labor Government has failed to act.
The Liberal and Nationals stand with prison workers and will introduce two key amendments to the Bill:
Expanding Protections to All Prison Staff
- Safety measures must extend beyond prison guards, ensuring all prison personnel-including cleaners, healthcare workers, and educators-can work without fear.
Mandatory Restraints for Violent Offenders
- Prisoners who seriously assault staff will be required to wear handcuffs while moving within the facility for 3 months, to reduce the risk of further attacks.
The CPSU supports these amendments, recognizing the urgent need for safer working conditions.
Shadow Minister for Corrections, David Southwick says: "We have seen huge staff shortages because people don't feel safe working in Victorian prisons. No sign-on bonus or advertising campaign will fix this if safety isn't prioritised first. Labor is failing corrections workers."
"Victoria has a crime crisis because there are no consequences, and this extends to our prisons. Someone serving 20 years for murder must understand that if they seriously assault a prison worker, their movement will be restricted.
"These are commonsense changes to Labor's bill. If they are serious about protecting workers, Labor will support our amendments."
