Tasmania’s Corrections Minister Nick McKim has defended the decision to stand down guards at Risdon Prison.
The jail remains in partial lock down because of an industrial dispute which has seen 15 corrections officers stood down for refusing to carry out certain duties.
Mr McKim says the action was essential and he will not back down.
”While people are refusing to carry out and obey lawful and reasonable instruction from prison management it’s very difficult or impossible to run a prison properly,” he said.
“We’ve made our decision and we are urging those correctional officers who have implemented industrial action to reconsider their decision, come back to work, we will be happy to have you back.”
He says that only basic and essential services will operate in the Risdon Prison Complex until he matter is resolved.
“I want to stress that the safety of the community will not be compromised during this period.
“It is unacceptable for staff and unions …
Read the rest on ABC Online, HERE
Tuesday, Matthew Denholm, The Australian:
Greens face backlash over prison action
Matthew Denholm, Tasmania correspondent
The Australian
THE Greens face a national backlash from union donors over strong-arm tactics by Tasmanian Greens leader Nick McKim in an industrial dispute in Hobart’s Risdon prison.
As the dispute entered its second day, Mr McKim’s actions as Corrections Minister in standing down 36 prison officers and ordering police to take their place yesterday prompted a widening union backlash.
Two powerful left-wing unions that have donated generously to the Greens nationally, the CFMEU construction union and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, told The Australian Mr McKim’s actions would influence future support.
“That’s something we’d taken into consideration when we come around to the next election,” said AMWU national secretary Dave Oliver.
“I’m concerned about the actions of any minister involved in that kind of behaviour. It is not acceptable.”
The CFMEU construction union also warned any future donations to the Greens would be influenced by the party’s record on workers’ rights.
“Every election is treated on its own merits, including the party’s record on how they treat workers,” said CFMEU construction secretary Dave Noonan.
Electrical Trades Union chief Dean Mighell would not comment yesterday, but Unions Tasmania secretary Kevin Harkins, a former ETU senior official, called on all unions to re-think support and donations for the Greens.
“Unions should reconsider their support for the Greens, given that they’ve demonstrated – through Nick McKim – that when they do have an opportunity to be in government their reaction to unions is no different to any other party,” Mr Harkins told The Australian. “In fact, they’ve demonstrated that it’s worse.”
Mr Harkins said Mr McKim’s actions in standing down workers seeking to address safety issues – the withdrawal of a tactical response unit and changes to the handcuffing of maximum security prisoners – conflicted with Greens’ policies.
“The Greens policy is all about the right to a safe workplace, free from hazards and about workers having the right to meet with their union to discuss legitimate concerns,” Mr Harkins said.
“And yet, when the chips are down, Mr McKim locks workers out and calls in the police.”
Full Matthew Denholm story HERE
First published: 2011-02-21 03:00 PM
