The Commonwealth Ombudsman has released a report on his office’s findings by overseeing immigration detention during the second half of 2019, noting overall improvements across the sector.
The Ombudsman, Michael Manthorpe said his report, Monitoring Immigration Detention: Review of the Ombudsman’s Activities in Overseeing Immigration Detention, drew on observations from inspections of immigration detention centres, as well as other aspects of oversight, including handling complaints, analysis of the number of persons detained, and assessing the circumstances of people in long-term detention.
“During this inspection period, we noted overall improvements in a number of areas ranging from the provision of welfare services to transport and escort tasks,” Mr Manthorpe said.
“We also noted improvement with regard to the incidence and duration of people being detained and subsequently released because they were residing lawfully in the community,” he said.
“However, there are still concerns with respect to the long duration of detention of some detainees.”
“In addition, shortfalls in privacy and mobility access within the modular high security compounds, the management of complaints and security risk assessments identified in our previous report also continue to raise concerns.”
Mr Manthorpe made 12 recommendations in his report, four related to the use of force and eight arising from the inspection of immigration detention facilities.
The Ombudsman also released a separate tatement on the management of COVID-19 risks in immigration detention facilities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic presents particular risks in detention environments, but also challenges for inspection bodies,” he said.
“The Office will continue to monitor the department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic including its infection control measures across the immigration detention network.”
Mr Manthorpe made three recommendations in his statement related to reducing the number of people held in detention to achieve effective social distancing; requiring people entering or exiting facilities to be subject to temperature checks; and monitoring staff’s contracted providers’ compliance with Outbreak Management Plans.
The Ombudsman’s 44-page report on immigration detention can be accessed at this PS News link, and his 7-page statement on the management of COVID-19 risks in immigration detention facilities at this link.