UPDATE: Tensions erupt in New South Wales as prison officers at Cessnock Correctional Centre walked off the job today following a controversial sentence handed to Cameron Reginald Welsh, who viciously assaulted four guards earlier this year. The sentence has been labeled a “slap on the wrist” by union officials, igniting a wave of unrest across state prisons.
CCTV footage from February reveals a shocking attack where Welsh, 26, is seen running up to an officer, punching him while on the ground, and subsequently assaulting others who intervened. The incident left the guards with severe injuries, prompting their hospitalization.
On Wednesday, Welsh was sentenced to a three-year good behaviour order in Cessnock Local Court after being found guilty on four counts of assaulting law enforcement officers. The Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) condemned the ruling, triggering immediate industrial action. Officers across the state expressed their outrage, saying the lenient sentence is a direct insult to their safety and service.
In response to the attack, prison staff initiated a state-wide strike, forcing jails into lockdown and leaving operations at an alarming 10 percent staffing capacity. Facilities across New South Wales faced significant disruptions, with local, district, and supreme courts affected as officers joined the work stoppage.
Prison officers are scheduled to return to work tomorrow morning, but the fallout from today’s events continues. Welsh, who has a prior record of violent assaults, including attacks with deadly weapons, remains isolated at Goulburn’s Supermax jail. Despite his recent sentencing, union representatives warn he could potentially be released under conditions of the Community Correction Order that began on October 29, 2025.
“This punishment is a slap in the face to every prison officer in this state,” said Nicole Jess, President of the PSA and a sworn officer herself. “We demand immediate action from the state government.”
NSW Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong acknowledged the anger among staff, stating that while he understands their frustration, a judicial decision should not provoke industrial action. “Correctional officers deserve to be safe on the job,” he emphasized.
The implications of this incident extend beyond Cessnock. With jails statewide on high alert and operational challenges persisting, the government faces critical pressure to address the safety of prison staff. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the government’s response and the outcomes of the ongoing strike.
The violent confrontation and its aftermath highlight the urgent need for reforms in the penal system, raising questions about the adequacy of punishments for assaults on law enforcement personnel. Stay tuned for updates as this situation evolves.
