'Rotten' Ron Woodham turns up the screws

Matthew Moore and Malcolm Knox | SMH | December 6, 2008

Hard time ... Ron Woodham faces the press after an escape from Long Bay jail in 1996.
Photo: Sam Rutherford

RON WOODHAM has never shied away from a fight and, despite his age and his failing health, he showed in his stoush with Bassam Hamzy this week he is not about to change.

Hamzy, a convicted murderer, is suing Woodham for putting him in isolation in Lithgow Jail for allegedly planning an escape attempt from Goulburn Jail. So when police and prison staff suspected Hamzy was using a mobile phone allegedly to run a multi-million dollar drug ring from his cell in Lithgow, the Commissioner of NSW Corrective Services could not resist the chance to swipe back.

"I've got a message for this particular individual," he said after his staff released video footage of a mobile phone apparently being slipped into a cell. "If he thinks he has been isolated before and complained about it, wait till he sees what he's got tomorrow."

It is vintage Woodham. For decades he has been attacked by all sides of politics, criticised by staff and by those attempting reform in prisons. He has been investigated repeatedly by the Independent Commission Against Corruption and always cleared. Yet his grip on the top job in the country's biggest prison system has rarely looked more secure.

For decades he has worn the name of "rotten", but it is his mud-repelling Teflon skin that better characterises his reign. The only NSW prison officer ever to make it to the top job, Woodham joined Corrective Services in 1965 and in the 43 years since he has honed skills acquired in an environment where survival is prized above all.

No other public servant has successfully weathered such a steady stream of allegations over such a long period. The fact Woodham is still there is because he knows running jails is different from running trains or hospitals where clients complain when services fall short. His clients seldom complain and, if they do, he knows how to fight back.

He builds networks that have helped ensure his survival.

As he told John Hatzistergos at a farewell dinner he threw in 2005 when the prisons minister ended his first stint in the portfolio: "My job was to protect your back."

Hatzistergos had an almost identical recollection of how their relationship works. "I do recall the first day Ron Woodham came into my office. He said to me, 'My job is to see that at the end of your term you are bruised, not battered'."

Unlike many of his limping cabinet colleagues, Hatzistergos finished his stint as minister for jails with barely a mark on him, a marked contrast to the pounding predecessors have suffered over the years when riots and bashings and escapes dominated headlines.

He is 20 months into his second stint in the portfolio, and it is proving to be even more of a walk in the park, with barely an issue he has been compelled to address.

Hatzistergos knows the quiet life he enjoys is thanks to the all-powerful man at the top.

"Anyone can run Corrective Services when Ron Woodham is in charge," he said.

Radio attack dogs fail to shake lawman

Sean Nicholls | SMH | 26 November 2011

There are two inevitable rites of passage for any new NSW attorney-general.

One is a war of words with the Director of Public Prosecutions over funding and the merits of ''tough on crime'' legislation. The other, ironically, is being periodically bludgeoned by talkback radio hosts for being too ''soft on crime''.

In his first nine months in the job, the Attorney-General, Greg Smith, has managed to neatly sidestep the first, thanks largely to the retirement of Nicholas Cowdery and the appointment of the far less outspoken Lloyd Babb as the state's DPP.

But the lack of fireworks in this area has been more than compensated for by a spectacular clash with 2GB's morning presenter, Ray Hadley.

To recap: Smith, the member for Epping, is accused of making sneering comments about Hadley's audience and the readers of the Sydney Daily Telegraph at a Liberal Party Christmas function a week ago.

Hadley's audience were ''red necks'', while Tele readers were ''bigoted fools'', Smith is alleged to have said.

No doubt there are many who would wholeheartedly agree with the former assessment, especially given the quality of the debate generated by Hadley's relentless pursuit of the asylum seekers issue.

But naturally, and understandably, the radio host has taken deep offence at the slur on behalf of his listeners and has proceeded to tear strips off Smith in a series of blistering tirades, despite the A-G's strenuous denials.

(It should be noted that Hadley's three ''sources'' have not been named and none has been willing to go on the record to contradict Smith's version of events. This has been put down to the Liberal Party rule that threatens expulsion for members who discuss internal party matters in public - but it is quite a stretch to classify a Christmas party bash as official party business.)

While Hadley's complaints have focused on defending his audience's reputation, the dispute appears to have emerged from both men's very different relationship with the NSW Corrective Services Commissioner, Ron Woodham. Last month it was announced that Woodham, a veteran in the position, would have his contract renewed for only six months. This followed some pointed comments by Smith on the need for ''culture change'' in the NSW prison system to improve the treatment of prisoners, recently revisited by him over two deaths in custody that have become the subject of inquests.

It is the impression that Smith is critical of the culture that has flourished under Woodham's leadership, and that he is planning to get rid of Woodham to change it, that appears to have enraged Hadley.

Intriguingly, the attack on Smith has coincided with a stampede by media organisations for the right to document the life and times of the prisons boss. The ABC's Australian Story is believed to have been chasing Woodham with a proposal for a profile, as has Foxtel. The third bidder is Graham McNeice Productions, which wants to pitch a program to Channel Nine. Hadley is understood to have introduced Woodham to the production company.

Smith has so far weathered the storm with dignity and has refused to be cowed by Hadley's attacks. He has given as good as he has received and deserves to be congratulated for that. There seems to be a feeling among Sydney's talkback hosts that if they go hard enough, they will eventually get their way. And why wouldn't they, given how well it has worked in the past?

Smith, nine months into his term as Attorney-General, has an early opportunity to change that.

NSW Attorney-General Greg Smith in row with shock jock Ray Hadley

Nick Leys | The Australian | 22 November 2011

NSW Attorney-General Greg Smith has engaged in a slanging match with Sydney shock jock Ray Hadley over claims he called his listeners "rednecks" and readers of the city's daily tabloid "bigoted fools".

Sources in the Liberal Party claim Mr Smith made the comments at a Liberal branch Christmas party on Saturday night in Beecroft in Sydney's northwest.

Hadley, an often controversial radio presenter and a columnist for The Daily Telegraph, told 2GB listeners yesterday he was "disappointed" to hear of the comments, given his support for the Attorney-General.

"Apparently and allegedly -- and this has been confirmed by three sources, including people who took a transcript of Mr Smith's off-the-cuff speech -- he spoke at length about the 'rednecks' who listen to my program . . . you, his constituents," Hadley said. "And he spoke in detail about the bigoted fools who read The Daily Telegraph. He spoke about my support of a public servant whom he didn't name and my continued support of this public servant, a public servant he wants to get rid of, apparently, but whom the Premier has expressed a desire to keep."

During a seven-minute conversation that dropped out twice, Hadley and Mr Smith then argued about what was said and whether the Attorney-General supports NSW prisons boss Ron Woodham.

Hadley accused Mr Smith of "going back to your Labor Party ways" -- a reference to his membership of the party nearly 20 years ago.

Several times Mr Smith denied the remarks, but he admitted using the term "rednecks" when discussing people who "supported a culture in NSW prisons that existed in the past".

"I have been taken out of context," he said.

"Clearly I have some people in the Liberal Party who will do anything to poison you or poison you towards me."

The slanging match ended when Mr Smith's line dropped out for a second time.

Yesterday, the Attorney-General released a statement, in which he declared: "I did not disparage readers of The Daily Telegraph in any way.

"In fact, I said that while they normally take an aggressive line on law and order, the Telegraph and radio stations 2GB and 2UE had been prepared to give the government a fair go as we argue success on law and order should not be judged alone in terms of how tough sentences are or how many people are locked up."

Hadley could not be contacted yesterday.

Listen to the interview here

and some more Hadley ranting on Smith the next day

Attorney-General Greg Smith stung by Ray Hadley

Andrew Clennell | The Daily Telegraph | 22 November 2011



War of words ... Attorney-General Greg Smith and Ray Hadley. Source: The Daily Telegraph

UPDATE 11.59am THE head of the prison officers' union has joined an attack by broadcaster Ray Hadley on Attorney-General Greg Smith, saying Mr Smith's comments about the culture in the prison system are "absolutely disgusting".

Mr Hadley said on air today that Mr Smith had lied on his show yesterday over claims a prisoner had been punched and kicked.

Mr Smith had been defending himself yesterday against claims he denied that he had called Mr Hadley's listeners "rednecks" and The Daily Telegraph's readers "bigoted fools" during comments at a Liberal Party function.

Mr Smith had said he had referred to rednecks but: "I don't want to see people treated like dogs, whatever their status in life. You see a man being marched across a room like a dog recently on television and kicked into a prison cell, that man died two days later, there's an inquest on at the moment .. that's what I was talking on the other night."

Mr Hadley said today film footage of the incident concerned had shown a prisoner being "gently" placed in a cell, not kicked.

On Mr Hadley's program, Matt Bindley, the chairman of the Prison Officers Vocational Branch, said he and his members resented comments by Mr Smith that prison officers treated prisoners under the current culture as "like dogs".

"To be told we treat people like dogs ... is absolutely disgusting and we won't tolerate it," Mr Bindley said.

Hadley countered:"`I think he wants [prisons] to be some sort of retirement resort ... where they're [prisoners] going to be namby pambied."

In a fiery on-air exchange yesterday, Mr Smith denied he made the disparaging comments at the Pennant Hills Liberal Christmas party on Saturday night - despite Hadley saying he had three sources backing up the claims.

Hadley had accused Mr Smith of trying to go soft on "murderers and rapists" and seeking to get rid of prisons boss Ron Woodham.

One version of Saturday's function, from solicitor Mark Turnbull, was that Mr Smith referred to "certain redneck radio commentators" who wanted him to go harder on justice policy.

Mr Smith admitted he wanted less prisoners in jail and said he wanted to change a culture where prisoners were being bashed but he claimed Hadley had been misled.

"Clearly I have some people in the Liberal Party who will do anything to poison you towards me," Mr Smith said. Hadley then asked Mr Smith if he had called his listeners rednecks.

"I did not Ray. I talked about rednecks who supported a culture of ... NSW prisons in the past and it was in the context of me saying how upset I was at the treatment of two men who recently died," he said.

Hadley said: "You better be careful because I've spoken to three people ... who say that you called my listeners rednecks and you referred to readers of The Daily Telegraph as bigoted fools."

Mr Smith said: "I might have used the word redneck but it wasn't in specific regard to 2GB."

Berowra MP Philip Ruddock, one of those at the party, would not comment yesterday other than to say he did not recall comments "of that sort".

Mr Smith said last night: "I did not disparage readers of The Daily Telegraph in any way."

AG at Estimates: Mental Health in custody

General Purpose Standing Committee No 4 | Attorney General and Justice | 26 October 2011

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: Attorney, in the 2011-12 budget do you know the amount allocated to mental health care services for people in New South Wales correctional centres?

Mr GREG SMITH: No, I do not.

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: Does either Mr Glanville or Mr Woodham know the amount allocated?

Mr WOODHAM: I cannot tell you the exact dollar figure, but I can relate to the programs that we have, which are very expensive and very intense.

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: Could you give the dollar figure on notice?

Mr WOODHAM: Yes, I can give you that.

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: Could you include whether any recurrent funding has been allocated for that purpose?

Mr WOODHAM: It is there every year, because large sections of our remand jails are involved with mental health.

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: Mr Hubby, could I ask you to provide the same figures and details in relation to young people in Juvenile Justice centres?

Mr HUBBY: I will. I would note though that health services in Juvenile Justice centres are generally provided by NSW Health. So some costs are incurred directly by our agency, but some are incurred by NSW Health.

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: Could you give the NSW Health figures to the extent they are available to you?

Mr HUBBY: I will take that on notice.

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: Mr Woodham, could you give the same figures for the amount allocated for mental health care services for people in privatised correctional centres in New South Wales, and include the recurrent figures?

Mr WOODHAM: Yes.

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: So that is a separate figure for the privatised centres.

Mr WOODHAM: What the whole facility costs?

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: No. The amount allocated to mental health services.

Mr WOODHAM: Our main programs are not there.

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: Which is why I am asking can you give the amount allocated in those privatised centres, including by centre, so Parklea and Junee.

Mr WOODHAM: Yes.

Jails boss keeps job for just six months

Sean Nicholls | SMH | October 19, 2011

SPECULATION is mounting about the future of the veteran NSW prisons boss, Ron Woodham, after his contract was renewed for just six months.

Mr Woodham has been in negotiations with the NSW Attorney-General, Greg Smith, about the renewal of his contract, which was due to expire on October 22.

Yesterday, the government confirmed an agreement had been reached to extend Mr Woodham's term but only until April 30 next year.

The decision comes as Mr Smith has argued the need for cultural change within the NSW prisons system.

Discussing prison reform shortly after the change of government in April, Mr Smith told the ABC: ''I don't expect that Mr Woodham wants to retire or will retire at this stage. We'll see how we can work together.''

Mr Smith said he was ''putting a lot of reforms up that seem to go against the culture that's existed in recent years''.

On Friday, Mr Smith told Parliament the previous government ''let the commissioner run the place''.

''I am not saying that he ran it badly but nevertheless ministers did not take responsibility for the organisation.

''As a result, from time to time we have security problems. There were a lot more escapes in the 12 months prior to our coming to government than there were before.''

The announcement of the contract extension follows confirmation in the state budget that the government would close prisons at Parramatta, Berrima and Kirkconnell.

Mr Woodham said in a statement: ''My priority at this stage is managing the downsizing of the organisation and the relocation of 600 staff across the state as a result of the three jail closures announced in September.''

Mr Woodham joined the corrective services department in 1965 and is the only prison officer to have made it to the top.

Short-term contract has NSW prisons boss on outer

Mark Tobin | ABC Online | 18 October 2011

The New South Wales prison chief's days appear to be numbered, after he was only offered a short-term contract extension.

Ron Woodham has been Corrective Services Commissioner since 2002 and his current contract expires this month, but the Attorney-General has only given him a six-month extension.

His reign has often been controversial.

Mr Woodham was heavily criticised by the prison guard's union for attempting to privatise jails and change longstanding work practices, with members calling for his sacking at a 2009 rally.

Attorney-General Greg Smith has issued a statement to the ABC saying Mr Woodham's contract has been extended until the end of April next year.

Mr Smith hinted at a shake-up for the state's prison system last week, saying he wanted to change the culture.

"I'm looking at ways of trying to generate more respect and decency towards prisoners," Mr Smith said.

Mr Woodham has issued a statement confirming he has accepted the extension.

"My priority at this stage is managing the downsizing of the organisation and the relocation of 600 staff across the state as a result of the three jail closures announced in September," he said.

The closures of the prisons at Parramatta, Berrima and Kirkconnell were confirmed in Treasurer Mike Baird's first state budget.

A way to get out of three jails

Anna Patty | SMH | 7 September 2011

A RECORD drop in the prison population has allowed the government to close Parramatta, Berrima and Kirkconnell prisons, cutting 350 jobs by the end of the year.

The Corrective Services Commissioner, Ron Woodham, said there were 11,224 prison beds at the end of last month, but just 9847 inmates, down from 10,400 in June last year.

Mr Woodham said 600 to 650 beds would be cut as part of savings, which would need to be found across the organisation. He said voluntary redundancy packages, redeployment and retraining had been offered to staff and ''every attempt is being made to backfill positions''.

The Attorney-General, Greg Smith, said a disused section of Parklea Correctional Centre would be reopened to provide 80 beds for relocated inmates. He said the government was also investing $46 million in programs to reduce reoffending and $78 million to build new courts.

The shadow attorney-general, Paul Lynch, said the job cuts would have an adverse affect on local communities. He said there had been no dramatic changes in sentencing patterns which would justify reducing prison capacity.

''The closures are likely to make the corrective services system harder to manage,'' he said.

Greens MP David Shoebridge said the prison population in NSW was 11,000 according to a report from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of NSW that was released last month.

''While the government has stated that it will close three prisons, it has also indicated that it will move to privatise the remaining prison facilities in NSW,'' he said. ''When this government says it is examining 'the potential for greater contestability' in the delivery of corrective services, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind what he meant. This means privatisation.''