Queensland Corrective Services | New correctional officers help keep North Queensland communities safe

06/10/2023 In Media Release, Northern Region

New correctional officers help keep North Queensland communities safe

17 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
One officer recognised with the National Medal
Three officers recognised with Long Service Good Conduct Medals
Officers equipped with highest level of training
Queensland Corrective Services offers many career paths

Queensland Corrective Services inducted 17 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety in Townsville today (Friday 6 October).

Joined by family and friends, the new officers were recognised for their achievement after completing a paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.

The 17 graduates will be posted to Townsville Correctional Complex in coming days.

The ceremony also acknowledged one officer with the coveted National Medal in recognition of 15 or more years of service in a frontline public safety agency while three officers received the Long Service Good Conduct Medal.

There are many career paths the top-tier public safety agency offers including CCOs, trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, counsellors, cultural liaison officers and administrative roles, all of which play a vital role in managing and rehabilitating prisoners to keep communities safe.

Representing the Minister for Police and Corrective Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, the Minister for Resources, the Honourable Scott Stewart MP and Member for Mundingburra Les Walker MP attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.

Quotes attributable to Les Walker MP, Member for Mundingburra:

“Queensland Corrective Services is an essential part of our criminal justice system, delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services, which contribute to a safer Queensland.

“From my previous career as a prison officer I know the amazing work QCS officers do every day to keep our community safe.”

Quotes attributable to Scott Stewart MP, Minister for Resources:

“Congratulations to all our correctional officers today for their commitment and service to frontline public safety.

“Today’s graduates and experienced officers come from different walks of life with different life experiences, and are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Superintendent Bradley Jones, Acting General Manager, Townsville Correctional Complex, QCS:

“We welcome today’s new Custodial Correctional Officers to Townsville Correctional Complex and recognise our most experienced officers.

“We are extremely proud of all our officers who make public safety the priority every day, striving to ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.”

Further information:

Queensland Corrective Services has a new careers page online. For more information and to find out how to join the top-tier public safety agency head to: Careers | Queensland Corrective Services (corrections.qld.gov.au).
The total remuneration package for a QCS Custodial Correctional Officer ranges from $81,645 to $117,152 which includes base salary plus allowances and employer superannuation contributions.
Eligible candidates who relocate from interstate or South East Queensland to Capricornia, Townsville or Lotus Glen Correctional Centres may also be eligible for a relocation assistance package up to the value of $7,000.
The National Medal, introduced in 1975, is Australia’s most awarded civilian medal.
The medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.