Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong has taken decisive action to strengthen staff safety at correctional facilities across New South Wales.
At the Minister's direction, the Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) has commenced a review of the way CSNSW classifies inmates across the state's correctional system.
Classification is the process whereby inmates are designated a security rating - maximum, medium or minimum - that determines the custodial location and conditions in which they are to be managed.
The way inmates are classified is an important component of staff safety because it impacts the level of security needed to allocate resources, administer supervision, assess risks and maintain the prison's order.
CSNSW is required to review an inmate's classification and placement at least every 12 months. A review of an inmate's classification may also occur if the inmate has been involved in a serious incident.
Classification of an inmate takes several factors into account including the seriousness of their offence, length of sentence, and their attitude, conduct and program participation while in custody.
This comprehensive review will assess the effectiveness of CSNSW's classification, placement and case management processes. It will also ensure an inmate's record of behaviour in custody carries appropriate weight when decisions are being made about an inmate's classification. CSNSW will conduct the review in consultation with staff, the Public Service Association and other stakeholders.
The review forms an important part of the Minns Labor Government's ongoing efforts to improve the safety of correction officers, an issue highlighted by the serious assault of four correctional officers at Cessnock Correctional Centre by an inmate in February 2025.
At the Minister's direction, the Corrective Services NSW Commissioner submitted an urgent application to the State Parole Authority formally opposing the inmate's release. The matter has now been stood over to a public hearing on Friday, 9 December 2025.
With the Minister's full support, the Commissioner of CSNSW also wrote to the NSW Police Commissioner and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requesting that an appeal of the inmate's sentence be lodged with the District Court.
On Thursday, 6 November 2025, the ODPP confirmed it will appeal the sentence. The sentencing appeal is currently listed on Thursday, 27 November 2025.
The NSW Government has also recently introduced legislation into the NSW Parliament to improve accountability in inmate misconduct proceedings. The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Standard of Proof) Bill 2025 is set to change the standard of proof for determining correctional centre offences from the criminal standard of 'beyond reasonable doubt' to the civil standard of 'the balance of probabilities.'
These changes will bring NSW in line with most other Australian states and territories and will enhance safety in our correctional facilities and better protect officers.
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Community safety remains the Minns Labor Government's top priority.
"Working in a prison is a tough job at the best of times and correctional officers put themselves at risk to keep us all safe. They deserve our gratitude, and they deserve to be safe on the job.
"This review of inmate classification is just one initiative this Government is prioritising to strengthen staff safety across our state's prisons.
"I will continue to talk directly with correctional officers and the Public Service Association to achieve our shared goal of keeping our correctional centres safe for staff."
Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said:
"Corrective Services NSW takes a zero-tolerance approach to assaults on staff and fully supports the criminal prosecution of offenders to ensure they face the full force of the law.
"Every staff member has the right to work in a safe environment.
"We are working closely with the Public Service Association to ensure staff voices are heard and make a difference in how we strengthen safety for all."
