Number of incidents in Australian immigration detention centres exceeds 1,600
In Australia, the number of recorded incidents in immigration detention centres rose from 793 in March 2025 to more than 1,600 in May 2026. Data obtained through a freedom of information request cover cases of self-harm, serious assaults and possession of weapons, ABC News Australia reports.
In March 2025, when 793 incidents were recorded, management of the network of centres was transferred to the private company Secure Journeys. The company received a contract worth $2.3 billion in taxpayer funds. Secure Journeys is a subsidiary of the US private prison operator Management and Training Corporation.
Safety warnings at Villawood
Workers at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in south-west Sydney said conditions had deteriorated for both staff and detainees. According to them, drugs are widespread at the facility, deliberate property damage occurs, and some people have been found with improvised sharp weapons.
Employees link the increase in incidents to staff shortages. One long-serving worker estimated that Villawood has about 150 fewer staff than under the previous operator, Serco. The United Workers Union, in turn, estimates that staffing across all centres has been reduced by about 900 workers.
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A report by the Commonwealth National Preventive Mechanism, prepared by Ian Anderson after a visit to Villawood, stated that the security situation at the complex had been poorly managed. The issues cited included insufficient staff numbers, the possible presence of improvised weapons and, according to the monitors' findings, the free movement of drugs. Some detainees chose to sleep in communal areas rather than bedrooms because of safety fears.
Anderson warned that without urgent measures, conditions could continue to deteriorate and the risk of harm to detainees and staff could increase, including possible serious injuries and deaths. During a follow-up visit in September, the oversight mechanism said it had seen no improvements.
Operator's response and use of force
Secure Journeys did not respond to journalists' specific questions, but said it had strengthened operational leadership, staff supervision, performance monitoring and checks at the facility. A company representative also said it valued the oversight mechanism's recommendations. The Secure Journeys contract does not set a mandatory specific staffing level.
Australia's Department of Home Affairs said the safety of workers and detainees was its highest priority and that the department was working with Secure Journeys to address the problems. The data also showed an increase in planned use of force. Detainee advocates link this to reports of more frequent use of handcuffs; according to one lawyer, fears of being handcuffed led some people to refuse medical care.
