Ombudsman flags staffing and restraint concerns at Adelaide Detention Centre

Key points

• The Commonwealth National Preventive Mechanism has recommended that the Department of Home Affairs ensure enough staff at the Adelaide Immigration Detention Centre to meet security needs while keeping services running.
• Staff raised concerns that a new directive requiring more frequent use of mechanical restraints and extra personnel during transport and escort activities could reduce the number of staff available for daily operations.
• The directive followed an escape during a transport and escort activity at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre.