Junee Correctional Centre was opened in 1993 as the first privately run gaol in NSW.

“Back then, the Liberal National Coalition was in charge and Michael Yabsley, the Corrections Minister was so keen on the idea of a private gaol that he travelled the United States to see how private prisons operate,” said PSA General Secretary Stewart Little. “Since then, after years of campaigning by the PSA, the people of NSW have woken up to the con that is privatisation and even Mr Yabsley has admitted governments are too close to big business.

“The PSA’s No Prison for Profit campaign is part of our union’s long-running opposition to private gaols. Thanks to the PSA’s work, Junee will be in public control for the first time.”

In 2024, the Minns Government announced the right to operate Junee Gaol was to be taken off global outsourcing firm GEO and the prison was to come under the control of Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW). CSNSW is the public agency that operates government-run goals in the state.

The Premier also gave an assurance that Parklea Prison, which went from public to private operation in 2009, would be returned to government control in 2026, when the current contract expired.

Were this to take place, Clarence Correction Centre in northern NSW would be the only private prison left operating in the state.

“We will work to ensure Clarence too will be public,” said Mr Little.