The state government has extended Serco’s contract to manage the embattled Adelaide Remand Centre (ARC) for another five years, despite Premier Peter Malinauskas condemning its privatisation while in opposition.
The decision marks a backflip for Mr Malinauskas, who repeatedly condemned the privatisation of the ARC, only to extend Serco’s contract after taking power.
The Malinauskas government defended its decision to extend the contract via a press release, saying it was the “only option available” to them “without subjecting taxpayers to additional financial burden”.
However, Public Service Association general secretary Charlotte Watson has called “bullsh*t” on the government’s excuses, revealing she had a copy of the previous contract, which she said showed they had the option to extend orend the contract without financial penalty.
“We’ve got the contract and there is no monetary penalty for finishing as agreed after seven years,” she said.
“The (Corrections) Minister claims there are “serious challenges” in ending the contract and that taxpayers would have stump up a lot of money to Serco – we think that’s bullsh*t.”
Ms Watson also labelled the contract extension a betrayal for correctional officers and Labor’s own principles and beliefs.
“This decision is the antithesis of Labor values, and it shows how the Malinauskas government is good at winning elections, but has no core values, and no progressive agenda,” she said.
“From a Labor Government with a commanding majority it’s nothing short of a betrayal.”
Community and Public Sector Union federal secretary Stewart Little also took a swing at the SA Premier saying Mr Malinauskas “should hang his head in shame” for extending the contract with Serco.
“Clearly, South Australian Labor are in bed with big business and Serco,” he said.
Mr Malinauskas declined to comment.
Corrections Minister Michael Brown insisted that “reversing the former Liberal Government’s privatisation of the ARC would come at a substantial cost to taxpayers”.
“Once something has been privatised, it is extremely difficult and costly to unwind especially something as complex as a prison including because there are maintenance and capital upgrades with multiple subcontractors involved,” Mr Brown said.
However, he said he vowed to continue to work closely with the unions and Serco ensure safety within the prison.
This comes after The Advertiser revealed details of a scathing report examining the privatisation of the Adelaide Remand Centre, with the McKell Institute branding it a “total disaster”.
It found the remand centre faced scandal, escaped prisoners, hunger strikes, chronic understaffing and created a volatile environment that puts both staff and inmates at unacceptable risk.
A Serco spokesperson said they welcome the South Australian Government’s decision to extend their contract for the management and operation of the ARC.
“This five-year extension will see Serco continue to support the Department for Correctional Services strategic goals aimed at reducing reoffending and maintaining the integrity of South Australia’s correctional system,” they said.
Read related topics:Peter Malinauskas