THE State opposition is "perplexed" that Goulburn MP Pru Goward is feeding facts about prison teachers to her colleague.
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Shadow Corrections spokesman Guy Zangari contacted the Post after reading last week that Ms Goward had informed Minister David Elliot that Goulburn Jail teachers had moved to a 48-hour teaching week.
"He was not aware of that," Ms Goward said at the time.
"I provided him with that material and more, and now I'm awaiting a decision."
The State wants to cut 10 teaching jobs and replace two with clerical positions at the facility.
Teachers and their Federation are up in arms, appealing to Ms Goward to save their jobs.
Mr Zangari said the MP was clearly at odds with her Minister.
"It's hardly a glowing tribute to her Cabinet colleague," he said.
"She's saying the teachers shouldn't be removed so I'm perplexed. I can't draw the line between the government having a position to remove these highly skilled teachers and Pru coming out, not supporting her Minister.
"How can people have confidence in the government to provide direction on this issue? It doesn't bode well."
Mr Zangari said their removal was especially concerning given last week's government "crisis talks" about increasing jail capacity because the courts were "full."
He believed the teachers were essential for rehabilitation in this potentially volatile environment.
The Opposition is consulting with affected staff.
"We say they are highly skilled and trained and they should stay," Mr Zangari said.
"...It's very difficult for teachers to build up trust and get students to learn but they do it. I think bringing in consultant teachers could be to the detriment of inmates' learning in basic numeracy and literacy."
Mr Zangari has visited Long Bay, John Morony Correctional Centre and Bathurst as part of consultations. He intends to visit Goulburn Jail too.
He has also written to Mr Elliot urging him to reverse cuts.
"When we get back to Parliament I'll be asking a lot more of the Minister," he told the Post.
"There are 152 prison teaching jobs to be cut across the State. They can re-apply to become a clerk but does that mean a reduction in their salary and conditions?
"...Teachers are saying to me 'what about when these prisoners get out, how do they contribute positively to society?'"
Ms Goward said there were only two prisons in NSW - Goulburn and Nowra - that had moved to a 48-hour teaching week.
"If the Minister didn't know that, it's not a reflection on him but others in the Department," she said.
"It's a huge system."
The Teachers Federation has provided information to Ms Goward, which she said she was happy to receive.