United Workers Union NT Secretary Erina Early says corrections officers are frustrated and angry that the NT Government plans to utilise private contractors in Territory prisons, claiming it’s a move towards privatisation.

She told Katie Woolf more than 200 members attended a meeting yesterday, unanimously saying they’ve lost faith and trust in Commissioner Matthew Varley, accusing him of not meeting with officers and breaking promises on privatization.

Ms Early says members fear for their safety if private contractors are deployed, adding that it would increase the risks of riots, leaving them considering a vote of no confidence in the Commissioner.

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