A jobs and construction boon has begun as the new operators of the Adelaide Remand Centre, Serco Australia, begin a multimillion-dollar upgrade and employ over 200 additional staff in South Australia.
Minister for Police, Correctional Services and Emergency Services Corey Wingard said the jobs boost, which includes staff at Serco's Asia Pacific operations centre in the CBD, was exciting news for the state's correctional system.
"Over 200 jobs have flowed to this state and the transition to Serco management of the Adelaide Remand Centre has also ensured more taxpayer dollars can be spent on the education of our kids or improving the health system rather than diverting funding to housing alleged criminals."
Through the ARC transition, all previous staff were given the opportunity to transition to new jobs in the prison system.
The $3 million cell upgrade program at the ARC, bringing all cells up to Safe Cell compliant standards, will mark a major milestone in Serco's management of the ARC and ensuring the maintenance of a safe and secure facility.
All works are being carried out by South Australian contractors, helping employ a range of local tradespeople.
Newly-appointed prison manager Mark Walters said the transition was now complete:
"The transition of the Adelaide Remand Centre was achieved successfully," Mr Walters said.
"Our staff and systems are now bedding in while the cell upgrade remains on schedule for completion later this year.
"Also, through expanded partnerships with groups including OARS and TAFE SA, we are working hard to drive down reoffending amongst the prisoners who come through the prison."
Mr Walters has vast experience throughout the sector, having worked across multiple prisons in the UK and Australia.
Department of Correctional Services chief executive David Brown said performance conditions, relating to safety and reoffending, have been written into Serco's contract for management of the Adelaide Remand Centre.
"The Department continues to monitor Serco's management of the Adelaide Remand Centre against a number of key performance indicators," Mr Brown said.
