Jacinda ARDERN

Corrections Spokesperson

2 October 2013      MEDIA STATEMENT 

Problems at private prison all too predictable

News that more than half of 20 new staff at Serco’s Mt Eden prison have reportedly left their jobs amid fears for their safety is an unfortunate but predictable consequence of the Government’s privatisation agenda, Labour’s Corrections spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says.

“Selling off the management of our prisons to the lowest bidder was also going to have dire consequences. Overseas experience has shown that prisons run by corporations who put cost-cutting ahead of safety don’t function as they should.

“Mt Eden was supposed to be one of Serco’s flagship prisons, yet the company has failed to meet numerous targets in the three years since it took over the contract.

“Now we know that is staffing the prison with 100 fewer officers than the Corrections Association say are needed, and it is employing semi-trained people to do the job of professional corrections officers

“Up until earlier this year, part-trained civilians were even exercising search powers.

“That’s not only wrong, it is dangerous.

“By allowing this prison to run with less than acceptable staff-to-prisoner numbers Corrections Minister Anne Tolley is playing with fire.

“She needs to step up and acknowledge that this is a failed experiment, as has been evidenced overseas.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media

New Zealand Labour Party

New Zealand's Main Opposition Political Party

The New Zealand Labour Party is the oldest political party in the New Zealand Parliament. Currently the main opposition party the Labour Party Caucus has 34 MPs. Labour is optimistic for New Zealand's future, and with your support we will carry on our work for all Kiwis, and lead New Zealand to that future.

CONTACT NEW ZEALAND LABOUR PARTY

• Facebook

• Twitter - @nzlabour

Trial Over 'Anonymous' Donations: John Banks Resigns As Minister

ACT Leader John Banks today confirmed that he has stood down from his Ministerial positions following today’s decision at the Auckland District Court.

“Last week I indicated to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff that I would offer my resignation should the matter relating to my 2010 Mayoral Electoral return be committed to trial,” Mr Banks said...

“I intend to continue in my role as ACT Leader and MP for Epsom, and ACT will continue to support National on matters of confidence and supply. More>>