Released on = October 31, 2006, 2:51 am

Press Release Author = Ryan Rebutica

Industry = Government

Press Release Summary = Management of health and psychological services in
immigration detention has been transferred to the direct control of the Immigration
Department, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Amanda Vanstone said
today.

Press Release Body = Management of health and psychological services in immigration
detention has been transferred to the direct control of the Immigration Department,
Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Amanda Vanstone said today.

“The change is one of a series of improvements to the current detention services
contract,” the Minister said.

“The move is in response to recommendations made in the independent Detention
Services Contract Review by Mick Roche, which was released in March. The Roche
Review was recommended by the Palmer Report.

“Mr Roche\'s recommendations are shaping the current detention services tender
process for new contractual arrangements to be put in place next year.

“Shifting management of health and psychological service to my department will help
ensure the more effective management of individuals\' mental health needs by allowing
direct communication between the Department and those with responsibility for
provision of day to day health care. This will help ensures that complex health
issues can be dealt with in a timely manner.

“The Government has been committed to making appropriate changes within the
detention centre environment ahead of the next contract and this move is the latest
in a series of such changes, which have included:

* Removal of razor wire from Villawood and Maribyrnong Immigration detention
facilities (there was no razor wire at Baxter).
* Improvements to food quality and food management arrangements within detention
centres.
* Sporting facilities and new reception centre at Baxter.
* The new Residential Housing Centre in Sydney.

In amendments to the detention services contract with detention services provider
Global Solutions Limited (GSL), a new performance monitoring system is also being
introduced with a greater emphasis on quality improvement.

“These contract changes mean that the quality of service within all immigration
detention facilities will now be more proactively managed by the department,” the
Minister said.

“Changes include ensuring appropriate staffing to ensure all food preparation can
occur without detainee involvement.

“Detainees will still be able to volunteer their time in the kitchen under the
Purchasing Allowance Scheme but there must always be enough staff to perform regular
kitchen duties, regardless of whether detainees are involved,” the Minister said.

Web Site = http://www.nationalvisas.com.au

Contact Details = National Visas
Web site: http://www.nationalvisas.com.au
Address: 3 - 118 Church Street
Hawthorn, Victoria
Australia 3122
Phone: +61 (0) 3 9697 4922
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9815 1544