New Zealand First warns that the 130 job losses at Corrections could impact on frontline staff and endanger the safety of the public.

Corrections spokesperson Asenati Lole-Taylor says claims by Corrections management that the staffing cuts would not affect frontline staff must be taken with some scepticism.

“The basis of the Corrections system is maximum community safety and the humane containment of prisoners.”

Mrs Lole-Taylor says today’s announcement that 130 Corrections staff will lose their jobs will not assist in achieving these goals.

“In fact, the negative impacts could lead to less reliable prison systems, an increased number of escapes and wrongful releases, and threaten the safety of our community.

“We support the lean running of Government departments but that should also include the evaluation of some senior management roles,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.