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Prison officers stage statewide walkout after assault
The 24-hour strike by officers at 30 prisons disrupted court transport and lockdowns after a colleague suffered broken facial bones and lost teeth, the union said.
Staff at 30 prisons across New South Wales walked off the job for 24 hours on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following the release of an inmate accused of assaulting a corrections officer.
The Public Service Association launched the strike after the inmate was released on unrelated drug charges Monday without being charged over the July 25 assault at John Morony Correctional Centre.
PSA general secretary Stewart Little said the 55-year-old officer suffered a broken eye socket, broken nose, and lost teeth. He cited a 30 per cent rise in serious prison assaults, asking, "Why should there be a different standard for our corrections officers?"
Police arrested the 21-year-old suspect in Blacktown on Tuesday and charged him with causing grievous bodily harm. Corrective Services NSW referred the 24-hour walkout to the Industrial Relations Commission.
Staff are expected to return to work at 7am on Wednesday. Union officials warned that "corrections officers need to be backed up by the rest of the justice system and the government otherwise this strike will only be the beginning.