Case number: Statement 641/2019

CASE

Case number 641/2019

Applicant Public Service Association

Respondent Department for Correctional Services

Date 7 March 2019

STATEMENT

This application was made by the Public Service Association of SA Inc.( The PSA) on behalf of its members within Correctional Services against the Chief Executive, Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC)on behalf of the Chief Executive, Department for Correctional Services.(DCS) The dispute relates to the introduction of SOP 090- The management of prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm. The policy has been implemented with varying levels of success within a number of the prisons including Port Lincoln Prison, Cadel Training Centre, Mobilong and . It is acknowledged that Yatala Labour Prison is still working through some of the finer points in relation to implementation of the policy. The prisons that have not been able to resolve the issues around SOP 090 are , the and the Adelaide Women’s Prison. In an effort to progress this matter, the employed has proposed the following- that for the 3 identified prisons, on a without prejudice basis they would make provision for a dedicated officer, within existing resources to perform the role of responsible officer, wherever required. Although the PSA were of the view that this would be difficult to achieve within the existing resources, the PSA agreed to hear from the employer their proposal provided the proposal included how the employer intends to make provisions for priority one incidents or external escorts on each shift in the affected prisons - That it is agreed that the respondent provides its proposal to the PSA by COB Tuesday 12 March 2019. That Mr Ted Szarek of the PSA visit each of the 3 identified prisons to meet and discuss the employer’s proposal with the PSA delegates. That the PSA respond to the employer in regards to their concerns by COB Thursday, 21 March 2019. That the Respondent and the PSA and their delegates from the affected prisons return to the SAET for report back at 11:15 AM on Monday, 25 March 2019. That the status quo in relation to the 3 identified prisons will remain in place in the interim. The respondent has indicated that while this policy is not fully implemented they are left in a vulnerable position if a serious incident occurs and as a consequence of this, have indicated that if agreement cannot be reached it will be their preference to have the matter heard expeditiously. I urge the parties to genuinely cooperate in this process to seek an agreed outcome Liberty to apply.

Commissioner Paul McMahon

Signature