Key facts
- Australia is reviewing a A$2.3 billion contract with Secure Journeys for immigration detention centers.
- The government is considering terminating the contract due to poor performance.
- Issues cited include fires, escapes, and deaths within detention facilities.
- Unions are protesting conditions and pay disparities, leading to planned work stoppages.
- Concerns exist about the contract's impact on deportation targets.
The Australian government has initiated pay deductions for Secure Journeys, a private operator linked to ICE, to recover millions of dollars due to underperformance in managing the nation's A$2.3 billion onshore immigration detention contract. The Department of Home Affairs is consulting with the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) regarding potential contract termination before its scheduled expiry in December 2029, or alternatively, stripping the operator of certain responsibilities. This review stems from a series of issues including fires, escapes, and deaths within the detention facilities. Trade unions have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the deteriorating conditions and significant pay discrepancies between immigration detention staff and prison officers, leading to planned work stoppages on Wednesday and Friday. The operator's performance has also cast doubt on the government's capacity to meet its stated goals for increasing deportations, with one Home Affairs official describing the prospect as "absolute bullshit" under the current contract.