NSW Corrective Services will become a standalone agency headed by the Commissioner as the government attempts to lift standards following the Astill Special Commission of Inquiry.

Currently, the Commissioner of Corrective Services is appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, but is subject to the direction of the Minister for Corrections.

Under the changes, the Commissioner will be the head of the agency, appointed directly by the Minister for Corrections and reporting directly to the minister. 

The move brings the Commissioner of Corrective Services role into line with other frontline Commissioner roles in the NSW government, such as FRNSW, the NSWRFS and the SES.

Premier Chris Minns says the decision comes in response to Peter McClellan KC’s inquiry into offending by former corrections officer Wayne Astill at Dillwynia Women’s Correctional Centre, which highlighted systemic workplace culture, leadership, and other organisational issues in Corrective Services NSW.

The reforms will deliver a more accountable and transparent system appropriate for an agency with some 10,000 staff and around 13,000 inmates, Mr Minns says.

“Today’s announcement improves accountability and sets up Corrective Services NSW to deliver essential reforms,” he said in a statement.

“Having the agency accountable directly to the Minister for Corrections makes sense and brings it into line with other frontline commissioner roles.”

However, while Corrective Services NSW will no be longer part of the Department of Communities and Justice, the DCJ will continue to play a role providing some executive and administrative services, and overseeing professional conduct, investigation and disciplinary process.

Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the changes will deliver clearer reporting lines and greater certainty for staff, the community and inmates.

“Crucially, these changes will make the Department of Communities and Justice better able to oversee misconduct investigations,” he said.

“Once appointed, the Commissioner will need to progress the reform plan we’ve put in place and with these changes they’ll have the authority and mandate to do it.”

The changes are effective from October 1.