Adelaide Remand Centre

432 Mr ODENWALDER (Elizabeth) (17 October 2018). Was a review of rostering practices across DCS investigated as an alternative to privatisation of the Adelaide Remand Centre and as a source of achieving the required savings?

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing): I have been advised:

The current model used in South Australia's prisons to manage unplanned activity (for example medical emergencies and staff absences) as well as seasonal peaks and troughs in the prison system is inflexible, inefficient and has a significant financial impact on the Department for Correctional Services.

The department does not currently employ part-time or casual correctional officers. Instead, the department relies on the extensive use of overtime to ensure adequate staffing at any given time.

As part of the Better Prisons reforms, the department will improve workforce flexibility through the introduction of part-time and casual corrections officers.