The Minister of Corrections says she can't stop poaching of prison officers by Australia, but she wants to improve the working environment of prison officers.
The Western Australia Corrective Services Department recently conducted a recruitment drive in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to attract prison officers.
While she is concerned about the loss of well trained and professional staff, Corrections Minister Judith Collins says that's the reality of a global economy.
But she says she wants to improve the work environment within prisons, so personnel are less likely to leave.
Ms Collins says she has met the corrections union and discussed the issue of staff safety.
She also says the Government plans to continue installing blocking devices in prisons, to prevent the use of mobile phones.
Australian offer looks good - union
A union representing Corrections staff says its members are sick of having to deal with political correctness and are ripe for a recruitment drive by Australia.
Corrections Association president Bevan Hanlon says with better wages and conditions across the Tasman he expects up to 200 guards could take up the current Australian offer.
Mr Hanlon says staff are sick of having to deal with political correctness.
He says there's too many people claiming there is abuse and corruption in prisons but investigations do not back up the allegations.
Mr Hanlon says prison staff want to be left alone to get on with their jobs.
