The privately managed Junee Correctional Centre will be returned to public hands.

The Junee Correctional Centre in New South Wales, operated by the US-based GEO Group since 1993, will transition back to public management in 2025, according to the state government. 

The move comes after a troubled history that has seen staff strikes, concerns over overtime, and criticism of healthcare provision at the facility. 

Junee, one of the largest employers in the Riverina region, is currently home to nearly 1,000 inmates.

Junee Mayor Bob Callow has expressed frustration at the lack of consultation with the council and local community, highlighting the government's decision to shift management without prior notice.

GEO Group, in response to the government's decision, has expressed disappointment and surprise, pointing to its 30 years of operations.

The decision has been welcomed by the United Workers Union, with executive Godfrey Moase saying the idea of private corporations innovating in prison management is “absurd”.

The move to return Junee prison to public management is seen as part of a broader push to reverse the privatisation of correctional facilities in New South Wales. 

The government is reportedly also considering a similar transition for Parklea Correctional Centre, operated by MTC Australia, when its contract expires in 2026.

The decision aligns with calls for increased focus on rehabilitation within the prison system, as concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of privately managed facilities in achieving this goal. 

The return of Junee prison to public hands could provide more stable and well-paid jobs, ensuring better outcomes for both staff and inmates.