Protests of up to 3000 people are continuing outside the Grafton Gaol following an announcement by the NSW Government that it will sack 108 workers and close part of the facility.

 

According to news reports, the police riot squad has been deployed to Grafton, ahead of an expected attempt to break picket lines with trucks to transfer inmates.

 

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson visited the picket line, stating that a State Labor Government would re-open the gaol.

 

"These jobs inject up to $29 million into the local economy. When you remove this sort of investment from the Clarence, the flow on impacts will be disastrous,” Mr Robertson said.