Adelaide Remand Centre Management Contract Extended for Five Years

The State Government has confirmed a five-year extension of Serco's contract to manage the Adelaide Remand Centre.

Serco has operated the facility since 2019, after the former Marshall Liberal Government privatised the centre under a seven-year agreement that included an option for a further five-year extension.

The Government said the structure of the original agreement meant extending the contract was currently the only viable option without exposing taxpayers to significant additional costs.

Discussions will continue between the Government, the Public Service Association (PSA), the United Workers Union (UWU) and Serco to support the safe and effective operation of the prison, while maintaining the wellbeing of staff and detainees.

Corrections Minister Michael Brown said the Government recognised the complexities involved in reversing the privatisation arrangement.

"There are a number of serious challenges in trying to reverse the Liberal Government's privatisation of the Adelaide Remand Centre," Mr Brown said.

"In 2019, the former Marshall Government entered into a seven-year contract with a five-year renewal period that is difficult to unwind without incurring significant costs to taxpayers.

"I take the management of the Adelaide Remand Centre extremely seriously and will continue working closely with the PSA, UWU and Serco to ensure safety within the prison."