A new wave of stabbings, overdoses, and drug use in Australia’s immigration detention centres has raised serious concerns about the federal government's compliance with laws designed to protect both staff and detainees. Internal documents reveal significant security lapses at the Melbourne and Villawood immigration detention centres, particularly since the Management and Training Corporation (MTC), a US private prison company, took over the $2.3 billion detention contract in late 2024.

Context

Earlier this year, Guardian Australia reported on catastrophic security failures across Australia’s onshore immigration network. The federal government has made attempts to hold MTC and its local subsidiary, Secure Journeys, accountable for their performance through financial penalties and meetings with key officials, including a heated discussion between Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and MTC’s global president.

Recent Developments

Despite these efforts, new documents indicate that serious security issues persist. Notable incidents include:

  • Eight fire-related incidents at Villawood immigration detention centre.
  • Violence and drug use reported at the Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre (MIDC).

Since August, there have been multiple incidents at MIDC involving violence, aggression, and the use of illicit substances. For instance, on 18 August, a violent altercation between two groups resulted in six detainees being hospitalized due to slashing and stabbing injuries inflicted with improvised weapons. Additionally, on 10 September, a detainee was found overdosed in his room, necessitating the administration of Naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.