A recent series of stabbings, overdoses and fires at Australian immigration detention centres managed by the Management and Training Corporation (MTC), a U.S. private prison company linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has exposed serious security failures that may breach Australian work‑health and safety law, internal documents revealed.
The documents detail eight fire incidents at Villawood between February and May, and violence and illicit drug use at the Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre (MIDC) since August. On 18 August, a violent clash left six detainees hospitalised with slashing and stabbing injuries from improvised weapons. A further incident on 10 September saw a detainee overdosed, requiring staff to administer Naloxone.
Comcare, the federal work‑safety regulator, warned that the Department of Home Affairs was likely contravening section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act by failing to manage risks from violence, aggression and illicit substances. The regulator noted the department had not conducted a systematic review of fire and smoke control measures, a likely breach of safety regulations.
The government has repeatedly sought to improve MTC’s performance, including financial penalties and a meeting with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Union chief Lyndal Ryan said the notices highlight the dangerous conditions for staff and detainees and that Secure Journeys has not adequately addressed the issues. Secure Journeys spokesperson said the company remains committed to safety and welfare. The Australian Border Force was asked for comment.
