Most prison officers in Alice Springs feel unsafe at work and are regularly exposed to violence and abuse, a union survey has found.
The United Workers Union took responses from 101 officers working at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre as part of a mental health report.
Of those, 96 reported feeling unsafe at work and 93 said they were regularly subjected to attack, with incidents including being punched, kicked, spat on or even stabbed.
The survey found 93 of the 101 officers felt exhausted or depressed before, during and after their shifts.
Among the key contributing factors, the survey identified the age of the facility and serious staff shortages.
"Results of the survey make clear that urgent action is required to address the critical staffing crisis at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre to protect both prisoners and employees," union secretary Erina Early said.
"The United Workers Union urges the Labor government to respect the risk our members are exposed to every day and act now before it is too late."
In responses to the survey, officers questioned why extra incentives were not offered to recruit more staff and retain existing workers, reflecting the increased cost of living and other challenges in Alice Springs.
"There is nothing enticing for people to work in the NT, even worse for them to come to Alice Springs," one officer said.
"Our pay rise will help but to attract people from elsewhere they need more advertising, relocation package, housing opportunities etc."
Australian Associated Press
