Security Concerns Mount Over Private Prison Operator's Detainee Transport
The private prison operator Management and Training Corporation (MTC), which manages Australia's immigration network through its local subsidiary Secure Journeys, is facing scrutiny over its detainee transport methods. This follows a serious incident in May of the previous year where a detainee allegedly stabbed two MTC staff members and escaped from an unmodified vehicle.
Concerns about the use of standard people-movers for transport, their lack of safety features, and broader operational issues have been raised by both the Department of Home Affairs and detention center staff.
Incident Sparks Renewed Scrutiny
In May of the previous year, a detainee identified as Paea Teu was being transported from Villawood to Sydney airport for deportation in a Kia Carnival. During the journey, Teu allegedly stabbed two MTC staff members and subsequently fled the vehicle. He is currently facing multiple criminal charges in NSW local court in relation to the incident.
Visual evidence from the scene reportedly indicated that the Kia Carnival used in this transport lacked protective barriers for staff. Vehicle registration records showed the car was insured as a "hire and drive yourself vehicle." Neither the Department of Home Affairs nor MTC has commented on whether rental cars were being used for detainee transport.
Unmodified Vehicles Raise Safety Alarms
Concerns regarding MTC's vehicles used for detainee transport have been a persistent point of focus. The company has reportedly utilized standard, unmodified people-movers, including Kia Carnivals and Hyundai Starias.
These vehicles allegedly lacked basic safety features, such as protective barriers or Perspex barriers, to ensure physical separation between detainees and staff. Detention center staff and the United Workers Union (UWU) have stated that these arrangements offered less security compared to previous agreements under a different provider.
Staff and Union Voice Urgent Demands
The Department of Home Affairs and nearly 500 detention center staff have raised concerns regarding MTC's transport methods. An open letter signed by 483 detention center workers in September of the previous year specifically cited issues with the suitability of transport and escort vehicles, calling for their replacement or modification.
The United Workers Union (UWU), representing MTC staff, acknowledged these concerns, stating they are among numerous safety issues consistently raised with MTC and the department. Additional concerns have been voiced regarding alleged understaffing within detention centers and the reported use of labor hire drivers for detainee transport.
UWU executive director Godfrey Moase noted that members reported the current vehicles offered fewer security protections compared to previous arrangements, specifically mentioning the absence of physical separation between detainees and staff.
Contractor's Past Underlines Concerns
In 2023, the Australian government awarded Secure Journeys, MTC's local subsidiary, a A$2.3 billion contract to operate its onshore immigration detention centers. This contract was granted despite MTC's history in the United States, which includes accusations of defrauding the state of Mississippi.
The company's US operations have also been associated with alleged security failures, such as a reported gang-rape of a female detainee and the murder of two retirees by an escaped prisoner.
Department of Home Affairs Responds
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs stated that the Australian Border Force (ABF) mandates that detainee transportation adheres to safety, security, contractual, and work health and safety (WHS) requirements. Guardian Australia reported that the Department of Home Affairs directly intervened with MTC regarding the suitability of vehicles.
The department monitors its service providers’ performance, including the appropriateness of vehicles used for transport and their fit-out, collaborating with providers to address identified risks and implement safeguards. Sources indicate that some vehicles have reportedly since been fitted with barriers.
While the department cannot direct the day-to-day use of individual vehicles, it maintains the ability to hold MTC accountable for failures to meet its contractual and WHS obligations. MTC declined to comment on the matter, directing inquiries to the Department of Home Affairs.