'Generous' compensation, relocation package in store for new recruits
The Northern Territory in Australia is handing out a generous compensation and relocation package as part of a massive campaign to recruit correctional officers from New Zealand.
The territory said in its recruitment drive that accepted applicants may earn over AU$101,000, which includes a base salary of over $65,100 for the Correctional Officer level, 40% consolidated allowance, and 11% superannuation.
"The base rate salary is determined by length of service, experience, and classification of prisoners they have worked with," the NT said.
According to the territory's information sheet, accepted applicants will also get $5,000 lump sum payment every 12 months for continuous service as part of their retention and attraction allowance. They are also eligible to receive the following benefits:
- Employment security
- Minimum six and maximum seven weeks recreation leave annually
- Supplied uniforms
- Wellness allowance
'Generous' relocation package
NT said it is also extending a one-way relocation package is also in store for eligible Experience Correctional Officers that will be recruited. This package, which the territory described as "generous," includes:
- Up to $35,000 relocation package for a family and up to $25,000 for an individual
- Up to $500 for a family hotel room or $250 per night for a single/double room
- Two months paid accommodation on arrival while recruits find a place to live
- Up to $1,500 per person for one-way flights from New Zealand to NT for the recruit and their immediate family
- Up to $800 for car hire only for up two weeks
"if you accept the relocation package, it is expected that work in Alice Springs Correctional Centre for two years," the information sheet said.
Two-year contract
NT said a two-year contract will be offered upon commencement for accepted applicants.
These recruits will need to use the two-year period to complete the Certificate III in Correctional Practice in order to get offered permanent employment.
"The costs associated with the Certificate III are covered by Northern Territory Correctional Services," the information sheet said.
Among the duties they need to fulfill include supervising, monitoring, and managing prisoners.
They also need to assist in determining a prisoner's rehabilitation plan and supporting their attendance. They also need to respond to emergencies, including prisoner conflict, injuries, and medical crises, among other responsibilities.
Concerns from New Zealand
Northern Territory's latest recruitment drive is causing concerns to rise in New Zealand, where there is also a shortage of correctional offices.
Radio New Zealand reported that the country is still short of 346 prison guards, with the crunch also having a "knock-on effect" to prisoners.
National commissioner Leigh Marsh acknowledged the staffing pressures in the workforce. She noted the Department of Corrections had hired over 800 people out of over 10,000 applicants, citing the rigorous selection process.
"Some of our staff may choose to move to Australia, and while we would be very sad to see them go, we wish them the best in all of their future endeavours," Marsh told RNZ.
