THE union representing corrective services staff says it is in talks with the department in a bid to change the culture at Bathurst Correctional Centre and others across the state.
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Last month an officer from Bathurst jail was charged by police following allegations he performed sexual acts in front of five women. The matter remains before the court.
A week later three more corrective services officers at Bathurst and Kirkconnell correctional centres were suspended from duty following allegations of misconduct, with the matter referred to NSW Police for investigation.
Nicole Jess, the president of the Public Service Association and chair of the Prisoner Officers Vocational Branch, said the union was taking the situation very seriously.
"We are wanting to work with the department to change the culture and we've written to the department and asked for their plan," she said.
"They have replied but at this stage there's not a lot of structure. We are asking to sit down and consult with them."
Ms Jess the union was trying to balance support for all its members, including victims and the accused.
"It is difficult as it's members on members," she said, adding the PSA was taking care to ensure the matters didn't cross over.
She also said a welfare officer had been in contact with the team at Bathurst.
"Again, it's very hard. People don't want to be contacted by seven different people (about the same matter)," Ms Jess said.
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Ms Jess said the welfare officer had been to Bathurst several times since the allegations broke to support those affected.
"We believe everyone has the right to go to work and be in a safe environment, safe from the inmates and safe from other staff."
Ms Jess said some of the allegations and situations which had come to light were "disgusting and horrible" but said it was also important to "balance this with potential vexatious claims".
She said a bulletin came out yesterday addressing sexual harassment within the department and the union was taking a planned approach to the problem.
"We believe there is more that needs to be done," she said. "We will continue to consult and ask the Department [of Corrective Services] for the model."
She said the PSA wanted to be part of the discussions.
"We believe the department needs assistance."
Ms Jess said the PSA became aware of the allegations at Bathurst about the same time Goulburn staff went on strike in March this year.
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