Gender Equity

441 Mr ODENWALDER (Elizabeth) (17 October 2018).

1. Does DCS have a policy around gender equity in recruitment of new officers?

2. If not are there any plans, or has there been any discussion of plans, to pursue such a policy?

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 Department for Correctional Services (DCS) is focused on increasing the number of female staff in correctional officer positions including leadership positions.

The DCS Strategic Workforce Plan 2017 – 2020 contains a strategy of Implementing initiatives for recruitment of female Trainee Correctional Officers (TCOs).

The target for the strategy is 50 per cent and actions include:

Working with government and non-government organisations in the promotion of the role.

Focussing on attracting female recruits through employment expos and information sessions.

Exploring an increase in the uptake of flexible working arrangements.

One aspect of the Better Prisons Program is the recruitment of part time and casual correctional officers and DCS consider that these options will be attractive to prospective female applicants.

The functional and medical assessment for candidates to the role of correctional officer has been reviewed to ensure there is no bias toward either gender.