The NSW Government says it is making significant strides to boost standards and safety in the NSW corrective services system in response to recommendations made by Special Commission of Inquiry into the Offending of Former Corrections Officer, Wayne Astill, at Dillwynia Correctional Centre.
In 2023, Mr Astill was jailed for a maximum of 23 years for abusing his position and assaulting women at the centre. A former police officer, he worked as a prison officer and then chief correctional officer at the prison before his arrest in 2019.
He was found guilty of 27 charges, including aggravated sexual and indecent assault, with the Government subsequently launching an inquiry.
Marking one year from the Government’s formal response to the Inquiry, nine of the 31 recommendations have already been fully implemented, with the remainder making notable progress.
The Inquiry, led by Hon Peter McClellan AM KC, found multiple failings in the management and culture at Dillwynia Correctional Centre and across the Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) system.
“The NSW Government is committed to implementing the reforms needed to ensure that the deplorable and unconscionable crimes outlined by the Special Commission can never be repeated,” said Minister for Corrections, Anoulack Chanthivong.
“We take seriously our responsibility to reform the NSW prison system into one that properly protects inmates and ensures our hardworking staff are safe and supported.
“While many improvements are now in place, there is work still needing to be done.
“As we continue undertaking reform, our thoughts remain with the victims of Wayne Astill’s offending, and we thank the staff, inmates and advocates who had the courage to speak up against wrongdoing.
“We will continue to pursue the changes needed to fix the culture and system that has seen too many people let down.”
In response to the Inquiry’s report, the Government committed to undertaking the reform necessary to ensure inmates are properly protected, corrections officers are supported by sound management and strong integrity processes, and public confidence in the corrections system is restored:
- A Sexual Misconduct Reporting line offering a trauma-informed, confidential avenue for inmates to disclose allegations of sexual misconduct and seek support.
- Triaging of new allegations through the Sexual Misconduct Reporting line, including referral to relevant bodies for investigation such as the NSW Police Force, where appropriate.
- Specialised trauma counselling for victims who wish to access further support.
- Clear advice about managing privileged and confidential information issued to both staff and inmates.
- Assurance to both staff and inmates that phone calls to exempt bodies are not recorded or monitored, through changes to policy and procedure including a new automated message on the inmate telephone system and updated staff communications.
The Government has moved to ensure safer workplaces for staff supported by strong integrity processes and improved reporting and misconduct procedures:
- New Machinery of Government arrangements to ensure that misconduct matters are managed in an appropriate external, more frequent and transparent manner.
- Enhanced probity checks for staff, including a standard of required conduct relating to persons relieving as Intelligence Officers.
- Records of any disciplinary processes or outcomes made available on all staff personnel files and in a centralised database.
- An updated direct form for reporting misconduct, now including the option to report to the Governor of the relevant correctional centre.
- Improved mechanisms for reporting allegations of serious misconduct.
- A new training program for existing staff and new recruits, including standards for ethical practice, handling privileged or confidential information, identifying and reporting misconduct and complaint handling.
- New laws to make all sexual relationships between staff and inmates illegal.
- The appointment of a stand-alone Governor to Dillwynia Correctional Centre.
This is in addition to several other changes that have been made to better support inmates in direct response to the Special Commission’s findings, including the provision of sexual assault trauma counselling for the victims of Astill’s offending, increased CCTV coverage and body worn cameras for uniformed staff who work directly with inmates at Dillwynia Correctional Centre.
The Government accepted all the recommendations of the Special Commission in full or in principle.
The Government is implementing the most urgent recommendations while working through the longer-term reforms, the Minister said.
