The Department of Immigration is investigating allegations that security guards at Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre may be using excessive force against detainees.
A department spokeswoman said contracted centre operator Serco is required to meet a code of conduct and act “in a manner that treats detainees with dignity and respect”.
But centre insiders have claimed a rise in physical assaults since late last year when Serco transferred a number of ex-corrections managers from the prison system into the detention centre.
Serco has confirmed that two staff have been dismissed following dozens of complaints lodged by inmates, mostly about staff harassment and bullying.
A Serco spokesman said the operator was committed to keeping people safe and had zero tolerance of violence.
“Our officers are trained to de-escalate incidents where individuals become aggressive, and only to use approved control and restraint techniques as a last resort. We take any allegations of misconduct seriously, report and investigate them.”
The spokesman confirmed investigations had been conducted into three matters at the centre.
“In two cases, no evidence was found to substantiate allegations of misconduct and no disciplinary action was taken. In the third matter, two members of staff were dismissed.”
Alleged incidents reportedly included a Chinese woman being kicked in the stomach, a Sri Lankan man being punched in the face and a Turkish detainee who was handcuffed behind his back and held down on his stomach for 45 minutes.
The spokesman said Serco reports all allegations and incidents to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, as required.
A spokeswoman said the department took seriously any allegation of misconduct by its officers and service provider staff.
Allegations of excessive force by guards were made to department officials during a recent visit to the centre as part of a review into drug paraphernalia found at the premises.
The spokeswoman confirmed further action may be a matter for law enforcement agencies given the allegations were of a potential criminal nature.
– With The Age
