“They risk their lives to protect magistrates, lawyers and the general public and they’re not paid enough to do it.” [Public Service Association (PSA) regional representative, Rebecca Reilly, quoted in Daily Telegraph, 4 July 2024]
After a statewide walk off the job on 4 July 2024 and holding protests outside Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Maclean, Bellingen, Macksville, Lismore, Newcastle, Port Macquarie and Tamworth and Gosford courthouses along with a number of others that same day protesting poor pay & conditions, NSW court sheriffs have been continuing their industrial campaign.
Particularly in northern NSW. There are 300 sheriffs working across the state and it’s understood about 95 per cent of northern officers have joined the industrial action.
Sheriffs are alleging that their workload is exacerbated by chronic understaffing and have been declining to work without two officers present. They have also been refusing to work more than seven hours each day (unless directed) or at locations where overnight stays would be needed. As well the work ban appears to include declining to issue any new Certificate of Authority to security contractors, and to conduct security screening only at permanent perimeter screening points.
By 26 July mainstream media was reporting that due to lack of a sheriff security presence some mid North Coast courthouses have been closed to the public, cases have been relegated to audio visual links and proceedings are now heard online.
Coincidentally, 2024 marks the 200th anniversary the NSW Sheriffs Office, Australia’s oldest law enforcement agency.
The Sheriffs Office was established by the Third Charter of Justice (New South Wales Act), which came into effect in 1824 when the colony of New South Wales comprised the whole of eastern Australia, as well as Van Dieman's Land (now Tasmania).
The Northern Daily Leader, 5 July 2024:
"Sheriffs are highly trained in what was risky and stressful work - these guys come to work everyday at risk of serious harm," he said.
"They work in ballistic vests, carry handcuffs, batons, and capsicum spray and stand at the front door of the court house ready to stop anyone trying to injure court house staff, the magistrates, prosecutors, or the general public.
"Sheriffs ensure the court house is a safety work space."....
Aside from working at the court house, Mr Mears [PSA representative] said Sheriffs also enforced court orders which meant entering people's properties to serve writs and warrants.
