What can the development of video visitation in Australian correctional centres tell us about organisational transformation?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Correctional services are closed, complex bureaucratic organisations which are historically slow to embrace change. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic catalysed a dramatic shift to widespread video visitation across correctional services in Australia. Drawing on qualitative data with corrective services staff (n = 19) from six jurisdictions (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and West Australia), this article charts the large-scale implementation of video visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is argued that video visitation demonstrates uncharacteristic organisational agility in Australian corrective services which may provide optimism for change projects.