A major review of the way inmates are classified across New South Wales has been ordered to strengthen safety for correctional staff following the assault of four officers at Cessnock Correctional Centre earlier this year.
Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong has directed the Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW to conduct the review, which will examine how inmates are assigned security ratings and managed within the system.
Inmate classification determines whether a prisoner is placed in maximum, medium or minimum security and is a key factor in assessing risks, supervising behaviour and maintaining safety within facilities.
The review will consider the effectiveness of classification, placement and case management processes, ensuring that an inmate’s behaviour in custody carries appropriate weight in future decisions.
It forms part of the State Government’s broader effort to improve correctional safety and follows public concern about the handling of the Cessnock assault case.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has confirmed it will appeal the sentence handed to the inmate involved, with the matter listed for hearing on November 27.
The government has also introduced new legislation to improve accountability for inmate misconduct, including lowering the standard of proof for correctional offences from “beyond reasonable doubt” to “on the balance of probabilities,” bringing NSW in line with other states and territories.
“Community safety remains the Minns Labor Government’s top priority,” said Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong.
“Working in a prison is a tough job at the best of times and correctional officers put themselves at risk to keep us all safe. They deserve our gratitude, and they deserve to be safe on the job.
“This review of inmate classification is just one initiative this Government is prioritising to strengthen staff safety across our state’s prisons.
“I will continue to talk directly with correctional officers and the Public Service Association to achieve our shared goal of keeping our correctional centres safe for staff.”
