The state’s Corrections Minister is talking up the Liberal investment in new guards amid concerns about ongoing lockdowns due to short staffing at Risdon.
In a first for the Tasmanian Prison Service, two correctional officer recruit courses are underway at the same time, the first batch due on the job after graduation on Friday.
There have been reports a high turnover among correctional officers has been hampering efforts to boost staff numbers.
“This once again confirms my ongoing commitment in Correctional Officer recruitment since coming to office, with four recruit schools in 2022, the most ever held by the TPS in one year, along with bridging courses for existing, experienced Correctional Officers we attract from interstate and overseas,” said Minister Elise Archer.
“These bridging courses run for three weeks, providing an accelerated entry for those with existing skills, knowledge and experience in the Correctional Officer role.”
On Wednesday Minister Archer was also due to open the $94 million Southern Remand Centre at Risdon, the state’s first purpose-built facility for those on remand.
