The Public Service Association (PSA), representing NSW prison officers, has condemned the Liberal proposal to replace Long Bay gaol with housing without identifying a funded, operational alternative capable of accommodating its inmates.

PSA Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright said a growing prison population, driven in part by domestic violence arrests and remand pressures, made the proposal irresponsible.

“With our prison population at 14,200 and rising, and every gaol across NSW bulging at the seams, it is irresponsible, if not reckless, to propose closing a major metropolitan jail without an identified alternative,” Mr Wright said.

“Prison officers are dealing with the consequences of an increasingly crowded system every day. The Liberals need to explain exactly where these inmates will go and who will safely supervise them.

“Pointing to Goulburn and other correctional centres is no substitute for a funded plan that spells out the additional capacity, staffing and facilities required.

“You cannot sell off a working gaol on the promise that somewhere else will find room.”

“Long Bay Gaol is actually three separate gaols in one with 1275 prisoners and 600 staff, it also includes the state’s major violent offender treatment program and sex offender treatment program.”

Mr Wright said increased domestic violence arrests were adding pressure to a prison system already struggling to accommodate demand.

“When police arrest alleged domestic violence offenders and courts refuse bail, those people need to be held somewhere secure,” he said.

“And those facilities need to be close to where people are arrested, and most are arrested in Sydney.

“That requires prison beds and trained prison officers. Closing Long Bay without replacement capacity would push that pressure onto officers and inmates elsewhere.

“Overcrowding makes an already difficult and dangerous job harder. Our members should not be left carrying the risk of an election promise.”

The PSA called on the Liberals to release a fully costed replacement plan, including locations, bed numbers, staffing and a timetable, before proceeding with any closure or sale.

“Sydney needs more housing, and essential workers know that better than anyone,” Mr Wright said.

“But NSW needs a functioning prison system too. Any replacement must be built, staffed and operating before a single bed at Long Bay is lost.

“Show us the replacement before you put up the for-sale sign.”