The state government has extended Serco\u2019s contract to manage the embattled Adelaide Remand Centre (ARC) for another five years, despite Premier Peter Malinauskas condemning its privatisation while in opposition.<\/p>\n
The decision marks a backflip for Mr Malinauskas, who repeatedly condemned the privatisation of the ARC, only to extend Serco\u2019s contract after taking power.<\/p>\n
The Malinauskas government defended its decision to extend the contract via a press release, saying it was the \u201conly option available\u201d to them \u201cwithout subjecting taxpayers to additional financial burden\u201d.<\/p>\n
However, Public Service Association general secretary Charlotte Watson has called \u201cbullsh*t\u201d on the government\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got the contract and there is no monetary penalty for finishing as agreed after seven years,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe (Corrections) Minister claims there are \u201cserious challenges\u201d in ending the contract and that taxpayers would have stump up a lot of money to Serco \u2013 we think that\u2019s bullsh*t.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Watson also labelled the contract extension a betrayal for correctional officers and Labor\u2019s own principles and beliefs. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom a Labor Government with a commanding majority it\u2019s nothing short of a betrayal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community and Public Sector Union federal secretary Stewart Little also took a swing at the SA Premier saying Mr Malinauskas \u201cshould hang his head in shame\u201d for extending the contract with Serco. <\/p>\n
\u201cClearly, South Australian Labor are in bed with big business and Serco,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Malinauskas declined to comment. <\/p>\n
Corrections Minister Michael Brown insisted that \u201creversing the former Liberal Government\u2019s privatisation of the ARC would come at a substantial cost to taxpayers\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce 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,\u201d Mr Brown said. <\/p>\n
However, he said he vowed to continue to work closely with the unions and Serco ensure safety within the prison.<\/p>\n