It was a lively and interesting debate on “what is happening in our justice system?” 

And if the panel’s wisdom is anything to go by – the NSW justice system needs a major reform. 

Greens MLC David Shoebridge, Prison Officers Vocational Branch vice-president Nicole Jess, Goulburn National Party member James Harker-Mortlock and former police officer and facilitator of restorative justice, Matt Casey made up the panel.  

Mr Shoebridge passionately pointed out what he saw as a basic paradox in our justice and corrective system.

“There are a record number of inmates in jails in NSW, yet violent crime is at its lowest levels since WWII,” he said. 

“The emphasis is on how to put more people in jail. The government is spending $3.8b on new and expanding prisons. This money should be spent on education and programs aimed at reducing re-offending.

“The pop-up jails in Wellington and Cessnock are large dormitories with 25 in a pod in a communal setting. It is a recipe for disaster.”

Prison Officers Vocational Branch vice-president Nicole Jess said there are 13,300 inmates in NSW, exceeding the bed capacity of 12,900. 

“Two new correctional centres have opened recently, but the state government and police are dealing with the front end, which is locking people up – not the back end - which is us,” she said. 

“A swelling prison population is increasing the safety risks for prison officers and inmates.”

She said Goulburn Jail would be benchmarked on April 10. 

“We suspect about 20-30 jobs could go from there, but we won’t know for sure until then. About 209 job losses across NSW are forecast," she said. 

“The POVB is asking for the community’s support to fight this. We oppose privatisation in all its forms.”

Mr Shoebridge said he pushed for benchmarking to be included in the upcoming Parliamentary Inquiry into Parklea Correctional Centre, which also includes privatisation and rapid build prisons in its terms of reference. 

Matt Casey said the family was crucial. “We need to get families and communities involved in the justice system to reduce re-offending.”