At least 12 escapes have occurred since a U.S. private prison operator began running Australia’s immigration detention network, including an incident involving a high-risk detainee mistakenly placed in an unsecured vehicle with a makeshift weapon, according to a newly released report.
Security Concerns at Australian Immigration Detention Centres
The National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), Australia’s prisons watchdog, on Tuesday released a damning report detailing issues with the running of onshore immigration detention centres during their transition to Management and Training Corporation (MTC).
Previous reporting has revealed accusations of significant understaffing levels and security problems, including during vehicle escorts, since MTC took over from Serco in early 2025. The Department of Home Affairs awarded the contract to MTC despite a track record in the U.S. marked by security failings and allegations of detainee mistreatment.
The NPM report confirmed these findings, noting “critical” understaffing levels and a marked decrease in safety and security during and after the transition. A “significant increase” in escape events and attempts has been recorded, with 12 escapes occurring since April 2025.
In one escape last May, a detainee was placed in a Kia Carnival – a vehicle lacking safety barriers or security measures – while being transported from Villawood to Sydney airport for deportation. The detainee stabbed two staff members and fled, prompting a manhunt. The NPM report revealed the detainee had previously been classified as “high-risk” and requiring restraint, but this assessment was not communicated to the escorting team, who believed he was low-risk.
“The vehicle used for this removal lacked safety features which would have been commensurate with conducting a high-risk escort activity, including CCTV, safety partition screens or autolocking features,” the NPM report stated.
The report also highlighted critically low staffing levels compared to pre-transition levels, contributing to reduced access to healthcare for detainees and fewer programs and visits. All detainees are now subject to a blanket rule requiring handcuffs during medical appointments, regardless of risk level.
One detainee, despite having a low-risk rating, a history of torture and trauma, and seven years of detention without prior restraints, was still subjected to mechanical restraints and subsequently declined medical and psychological appointments due to the discomfort.
Staffing problems, including low morale, allegations of wage theft, burnout, and “significant overtime requirements” were also identified. In one instance, staff were assigned to a 24-hour static guard post over a light pole used in a previous escape.
The report cited poor communication between Australian Border Force and MTC, inadequate planning, and a lack of clarity for workers regarding their employment during the transition. “The impacts on safety and security were evident by the increase in incidents, escapes and the exacerbation of pre-existing issues during and after the transition period,” the report said.
MTC referred inquiries to Australian Border Force. A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs acknowledged the report and accepted its findings, stating the welfare, safety, and dignity of people in immigration detention, as well as staff safety, remain the department’s highest priorities.
The department said it had increased ABF onsite presence, enhanced compliance and audit activity, strengthened governance and oversight, improved communications with contractors, and enhanced recruitment and training arrangements. Improvements have also been made to risk assessment and escort practices.
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