Immigration detention centre (IDC)
Statutory definition
An immigration detention centre is a place approved for immigration detention under reg 4.27 of the Migration Regulations 1994. Major immigration detention centres operated by the Australian Government include Villawood IDC (Sydney), Maribyrnong IDC (Melbourne), Perth IDC, and Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre. Persons held in IDCs may be transferred between facilities at the Department's discretion.
Explanation
Immigration detention centres are the primary facilities for mandatory detention of unlawful non-citizens and persons whose visas have been cancelled on character grounds. IDCs are managed under contract by private operators (currently Serco Australia) on behalf of the Department. The Australian Human Rights Commission conducts regular inspections and publishes reports on IDC conditions. Persons in IDCs retain access to legal advice and are entitled to contact migration agents and lawyers. The decision to hold a person in an IDC rather than grant community detention or a bridging visa is reviewable by the courts for legality.