The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) today announced the signing of a contract with Serco Australia Pty Ltd for the provision of a range of immigration detention services at immigration detention centres around Australia.

Serco Australia and its international parent company currently deliver immigration detention, custodial, rehabilitation, defence, health, education, transport and other services in a number of countries including Australia.

The five-year contract, valued at about $370 million, covers the provision of detention services at immigration detention centres (IDCs) and alternative places of detention (including those on Christmas Island) as well as a range of transport and escort services to people in detention.

The development of the tender documentation and contract content was undertaken after extensive consultations with community and industry groups. Some 60 organisations participated in the consultations, including the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s Office and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

“The new contract encompasses a stronger focus on the rights and well-being of people in detention and provides a comprehensive framework for ongoing quality improvement, including effective performance management systems,” DIAC Secretary Andrew Metcalfe said.

“After an extensive tender and evaluation period, Serco was assessed as being best placed to ensure people in immigration detention received fair and reasonable service, aligned with the government’s New Directions in Detention policy.”

There is a strong focus on Serco to meet the standards set out in the contract. If Serco fails to achieve these standards, penalties can be implemented. Similarly, if Serco delivers innovative and service standards beyond the department’s expectations, then an incentive regime exists.

Serco has displayed a willingness throughout the tender process to be open and accountable. Further it has demonstrated in its proposed solutions a strong alignment with the department’s values and the government’s new directions in detention.

The contract focuses on delivering high service standards demonstrating humanity in service delivery and value for money to the Commonwealth. A phased transition from the current detention service provider G4S will start from the contract signature date.

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