Corrections Industry Reference Committee (IRC)
The Corrections IRC is made up of industry leaders and experts and acts as a conduit between the Corrections industry and the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC).
The Corrections industry plays a significant role in providing a safe and secure environment for our Australian society. The Corrections IRC are responsible for ensuring the CSC Correctional Services Training Package meets the needs of the industry and provides nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification for occupations involved in:
- Justice Services
- Correctional Practices
- Immigration Detention
At Certificate III, IV and Diploma levels specialisations can be undertaken in:
- Adult and Youth Community and Custodial
- Dog Handling, Supervision, Case Management and Emergency Response
- Intelligence Operations
- Immigration Detention Operations
The Committee
Chair: Amanda Swards, Community Corrections, Department of Justice, Tasmania
Deputy Chair: Ian Tindale, Serco Australia
Committee members:
Alan Butler, Queensland Corrective Services Academy
Belinda Kassoua, The GEO Group Australia Pty Ltd
Cameron Tyrrell, Department of Correctional Services NT
Scott Lobb, Western Australia Department of Corrective Services
Judy Cutajar, Department of Justice and Community Safety
Mariateresa Curulli, Community and Public Sector Union
Ian Tindale, Australian Capital Territory Corrective Services
Joshua Sampson, Corrective Services NSW
Nadine Robinson, Probation and Community Corrections Officers Association (PACCOA)
Leanne Hague, Department for Correctional Services SA
Lori Casson, Serco
Rebecca Fraser, G4S Australia and New Zealand

Amanda Swards
Corrections Industry Reference Committee Chair
Amanda Swards is the Learning Development Manager at Community Corrections, Department of Justice in Tasmania
Amanda is living proof of the success of the VET system having gained eight VET qualifications through the course of her employment with the Prison Service that have assisted her to move through a variety of roles from Executive Assistant to policy and recruitment and staff planning and engagement.
Amanda brings a wealth of diverse experience to the work of the Corrections IRC and is a passionate advocate for Vocational Educational and Training.

IRC Meeting Minutes
Summary minutes are shared for all IRC meetings to provide a high level summary of key issues discussed.

Karen Thomson
Industry Skills Specialist - Corrections and Police