More than 12 escapes or attempted escapes have occurred in the 14 months since Management and Training Corporation (MTC) took control of immigration detention in Australia, according to an exclusive investigation by Guardian Australia. The US private prison company, which won a $2.3bn contract under its local subsidiary Secure Journeys, has been criticized for a "minimalist staffing model" that critics say endangers detainees and staff.
Catastrophic Security Lapses
Internal documents and interviews reveal a series of alarming incidents. In September 2025, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke held a secret meeting with MTC's global president after a high-risk detainee escaped during transport. The detainee, who was not handcuffed, was driven in a standard Kia Carnival lacking safety features. Two MTC staff were hospitalized with smoke inhalation after responding to a fire without respiratory equipment or training. More than 12 escapes or attempted escapes have occurred, including a child sexual abuse offender who fled from a hospital escort and a detainee who climbed a light pole at Brisbane detention centre, his absence unnoticed for 12 hours.
Regulatory Warnings
Comcare, the federal work safety regulator, has issued a damning report finding that the Department of Home Affairs contravened work health and safety laws. The regulator noted an increase in notifiable incidents, including serious injuries, self-harm, and detainee violence. The government has fined MTC hundreds of thousands of dollars for performance failures, but removing the company would be costly and difficult.
Staffing and Safety Concerns
Staff shortages have led to missed medical appointments for seriously ill detainees. A March report by the National Preventive Mechanism found critically low staffing levels compromising safety. At Villawood, a detainee set fire to a staff compound after hours of being unmonitored. MTC's risk assessment system is so flawed that Comcare warned it puts staff at risk of violence.
Previous Track Record
MTC's troubled history includes lawsuits in the US over alleged security lapses leading to rape and murder, and poor performance at Parklea prison in Sydney, which will be returned to public hands in October. Staff from Parklea have been seconded to immigration detention due to shortages. Detainees report deteriorating conditions, including sleeping on floors after fire damage.
A departmental source described the situation as a "sinking ship," stating, "14 months into the contract, Secure Journeys still can't staff their centres, continue to let escapes occur and miss several contract obligations regularly."
