NSW Government Changes Prison Rules After Union Lobbying on September 24th

The NSW government changed prison rules after a union and lobbying push. This is a big change from how things were done before.
By Newsroom | Law, New South Wales |

PREMIER'S OFFICE REVERSES COURSE ON PRISON POLICY AMIDST UNION CONCERNS

==The New South Wales government has recently enacted a significant policy change regarding the standard of proof for inmate disciplinary matters, a move that followed intense lobbying and occurred shortly after a legislative shift. The change, enacted via the 'Standard of Proof Act', mandates the use of the 'balance of probabilities' as the legal threshold, a departure from previous practices. This legislative adjustment appears to have been a direct response to tensions between the Corrective Services NSW Commissioner, Gary McCahon, and the 'Public Service Association' (PSA), a potent union representing prison guards.

The timeline indicates a rapid reversal of policy. In late September of the preceding year, Commissioner McCahon found himself in a disagreement with the PSA. Just one month later, the 'Standard of Proof Act' was officially passed into law.

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Further examination reveals that this policy shift was not an isolated bureaucratic decision. Little, an individual reportedly involved in lobbying efforts, actively approached the premier on September 24th, specifically advocating for the legislative codification of the 'balance of probabilities' standard. Concurrently, Jim Minns, who stated he was not "really involved in inmate discipline matters," was also reportedly working on related issues "every single day."

The specific nature of the dispute between Commissioner McCahon and the PSA, and the precise reasons for the government's swift legislative response, remain points of interest. The influence of external lobbying, as exemplified by Little's direct engagement with the premier, underscores the complex interplay of power and advocacy shaping correctional policy in New South Wales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the NSW government change prison rules on September 24th?
The NSW government changed prison rules to use the 'balance of probabilities' standard for inmate discipline. This happened after the union and lobbying efforts pushed for the change.
Q: What is the 'balance of probabilities' in NSW prison rules?
The 'balance of probabilities' means that a decision in inmate discipline cases is made if it is more likely than not to be true. This is a new legal standard for these cases in NSW.
Q: Who is Gary McCahon and how is he involved in the NSW prison policy change?
Gary McCahon is the Corrective Services NSW Commissioner. He was in a disagreement with the Public Service Association (PSA) union before the new policy was put in place.
Q: How did lobbying affect the NSW prison policy change on September 24th?
Lobbying played a key role. A person named Little spoke to the premier on September 24th asking for the 'balance of probabilities' standard to be made law. Jim Minns also worked on related issues daily.
Q: What is the 'Standard of Proof Act' in NSW?
The 'Standard of Proof Act' is a new law in NSW that sets the legal threshold for inmate disciplinary matters. It changed the rules to use the 'balance of probabilities'.