Representatives of the PSA were among guests celebrating the handover of the Junee Correctional Centre to Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) control.

PSA Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright; Chair of the Prison Officers Vocational Branch (POVB), Darren King; Chair of the Commissioned Officers Vocational Branch (COVB), Darren Wells; and Industrial Officer Dave McCauley were among guests to see Minister Anoulack Chanthivong officially unveil a plaque celebrating the handover of the prison to public control.

Until 1 April 2025, Junee Correctional Centre was a private operation. However, intense campaigning by the PSA saw the Minns Labor Government last year announce it would become publicly run gaol for the first time in its history.

There was also a graduating ceremony for new Prison Officers on the day.

The prison was opened in 1993 and was managed by GEO Australia until the 2024 decision.

“We have long said no-one should profit from crime, and that includes outsourcing companies like GEO,” said Mr Wright. “Finally, after a strong fight from our union, the Minns Government has taken the gaol off the private operators.”

In 2025, the Minns Government announced Parklea Correctional Centre will be returned to state control in 2026 after 18 years as a private facility. It was privatised by a Labor Government in 2008.

The Clarence Correctional Centre, in northern NSW, will then be the state’s sole private gaol.

“The PSA will always fight to keep our vital public infrastructure in the hands of the people of NSW,” said Mr Wright. “Privatisation hurts everyone.”