Purpose

DIMIA’s main submission to the inquiry states that the purpose of the proposed works is to

…achieve additional accommodation that provides improved amenity and demonstrates a clear regard for the personal needs and dignity of the residents.¹

Further, DIMIA intends that:

The design is to provide detention infrastructure that is humane, non-punitive and sensitive to the needs of people held under administrative detention.²

DIMIA anticipates that the specific outcomes of the works will be:

• the ability to separate different detainee groups;
• an increase in capacity of some fifty places;
• increased amenity for residents, particularly women and children;
• improved resident recreation and access to outdoor facilities;
• improved disabled facilities for residents and visitors;
• increased privacy in the new areas;
• better security;
• improved OH&S conditions for staff; and
• the provision of some self-catering facilities.³

Need

The works proposal is driven chiefly by the need to provide adequate separation for different categories of detainees. In its current form, the MIDC allows only for the separation of adult males from females and families. This level of separation is not deemed adequate, as the profile of the detainee population is changing and includes increasing numbers of persons with criminal backgrounds or histories of illicit drug use. DIMIA contends that the facility needs to be expanded and reconfigured in order to protect the welfare of residents and staff.⁴

DIMIA’s main submission refers to the urgent need for additional accommodation at MIDC, but does not provide details.⁵ Supplementary information provided to the Committee explains that:

All existing IDCs are now approaching the end of their life cycles and are not readily adaptable to improved design concepts.⁶

The DIMIA Long-Term Detention Strategy 2004-05 describes the MIDC as operating at or near capacity for the last two years and states that extra accommodation could be used now if available. The document records that, despite the planned construction of a new, larger IDC at Broadmeadows, Victoria in 2010-2011

…extensions to the existing centre are essential to relieve the immediate accommodation pressures and to allow for the two to three year time lag in planning and constructing a new centre.⁷

Scope

The fundamental aim of DIMIA’s proposal is to increase the capacity of the MIDC by 50 places. Works required to meet this objective include:

• upgrade of administration, processing, visiting, food preparation, dining and general storage areas;
• construction of a new administration building for DIMIA and GSL personnel;
• construction of a new accommodation wing, comprising three separate zones and including day rooms, courtyards, kitchenettes, laundry facilities and improved security and surveillance facilities;
• reconfiguration and refurbishment of existing space to create a new reception and processing area and two new medical rooms;
• refurbishment and enlargement of the visitor area; and
• enlargement of kitchen and dining areas.⁸

Project Delivery

Cost