Six Chinese Nationals Escape From Australian Immigration Detention Center
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is considering what further action it can take to ensure its detention services provider, Serco, minimises the risk of escapes from detention.
Six Chinese nationals escaped from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) at about 3.30am today. These people were not irregular maritime arrivals. NSW Police, departmental compliance officers and detention services staff are continuing their efforts to relocate the individuals.
Three others, who were also trying to escape, have been transferred to the high-security area of Villawood.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship ordered a review into security at Villawood in March following a similar escape, where three Chinese nationals scaled a fence.
The final report, which was conducted by Keith Hamburger of Knowledge Consulting, is due with the minister shortly. The minister has also demanded a full investigation into these latest escapes.
“An interim report, which the department received in April, contained a number of immediate recommendations to improve security of the operations and infrastructure of Villawood IDC,” a DIAC spokesperson said.
“Serco immediately responded to a number of recommendations in that interim report, including the placement of additional operational staff. Clearly, however, further revisions to the way Serco conducts its business need to be implemented – and quickly.
“DIAC views any escape from an immigration detention facility very seriously.
“An independent investigation will be conducted.
“The contract the department has in place with the detention services provider allows for sanctions and fines if it is proved escapes resulted from lax work practices or incompetence.
“In line with the contract, the detention services provider has previously had financial penalties imposed for past escapes.
“DIAC has undertaken an assessment of these escapees and would like to assure the public these people are not considered a risk to the community and have no known criminal history.”
People who escape from immigration detention may be liable for prosecution for a criminal offence under Commonwealth law.
Topics: 2010, asylum, Australia, Australia Immigration Program, Chinese, Christmas Island, citizenship, compliancec officers, crime, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, detention, DIAC, economic development, economic growth, Economy, employment, escapes, farm workers, farms, foreign nationals, foreigners, Governance, government, human rights, Human Rights Commission, IDC, illegal employment, illegal workers, illegally working, immigrants, immigration, jobs, mandatory detention, Melbourne, moniter, monitor, news, offshore processing, prison, punishment, Serco, Thailand, Victoria, Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, visitor visa
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