Welcoming our newest correctional officers

The Tasmania Government has welcomed 12 new Correctional Officers, with the latest Recruit School graduating at a ceremony in Hobart on Friday.

Minister for Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Guy Barnett, said the latest cohort of recruits bring a diverse range of skills, experience and backgrounds to Tasmania’s corrections workforce.

“Becoming a Correctional Officer is a significant commitment, and I congratulate each of our 12 graduates on reaching this important milestone,” Minister Barnett said.

“This is the second round of recruits to commence this year and continues the Government’s ongoing recruitment of new Correctional Officers.

“Over the past 12 weeks, the recruits have undertaken intensive training across the classroom and operational prison environments, developing the skills and knowledge needed to work safely and professionally in our correctional system.”

Before commencing Recruit School, graduates undertook a rigorous selection process, including psychological and physical assessments and teamwork exercises, designed to test their suitability for this unique profession.

“Our 12 graduates come from a range of backgrounds, including security, retail, hospitality, farming, trades, sport and the Australian Defence Force, demonstrating that there is no single pathway into this profession,” Minister Barnett said.

“We also welcome three recruits returning to corrections with previous experience as Correctional Officers.

“Our Government continues to invest heavily in recruiting more staff and we are progressing our $100 million coordinated program of capital and maintenance works, including the new Maximum Security Correa Unit, to support safe, efficient and contemporary custodial operations.

“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are delivering a justice system that is strong, effective and focussed on keeping Tasmanians safe.

“We are continuing to recruit and I encourage anyone considering a career change, seeking meaningful work, or wanting to make a difference in their community to consider a career in corrections.”

For more information on becoming a Correctional Officer, including the selection process, visit correctionscareers.tas.gov.au