THE union representing public sector workers is lobbying the State Government against awarding Serco a long-term contract to manage the soon-to-be-opened young adults detention centre in Murdoch.
State Corrective Services Minister Terry Redman said the Young Adults Facility was expected to open mid-2012 but the opening date was dependent on the completion of contract negotiations and building works.
It will replace the existing Rangeview Remand Centre. Juveniles there will be moved to the Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
The new facility will accommodate 80 males, aged 18 to 24. already in the prison system who have been identified as repeat offenders.
The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA (CPSU/CSA) is arguing the Government should only give British-based Serco a three-year contract if it is chosen as contractor for the facility.
The union is opposed to the State Government giving the private sector control of community resources.
In November last year the Government named Serco as preferred tenderer for the facility.
CPSU/CSA branch secretary Toni Walkington said it was “vital” the contract was only for three years.
“After that three years the government of the day needs to frankly assess the service provider and see how it compares with the public sector doing the same job,” she said.
She said the union wanted wages and conditions parity included in the review and for it to be made available to the public.
Mr Redman said the negotiations for the Young Adults Facility contract were already under way and the details were confidential.
“The State Government has assessed the tenders for the Young Adults Facility based on value for money and providing the best return for taxpayers,” he said.
Serco will be operating Fiona Stanley Hospital when it opens in 2014.
It also runs Australia’s immigration detention centres.