Report finds rampant drug trade, improvised weapons and fear at Villawood detention centre

A three-day visit by the National Preventive Mechanism in March revealed that Villawood detention centre, housing 428 people including children, suffers from open drug trafficking, the creation of makeshift weapons and a climate of fear driven by intimidation and standover tactics. Damage from a fire three years ago left 78 beds offline, prompting some detainees to sleep outside or in monitored common areas for safety.

Children in family groups have been isolated and denied regular schooling, raising concerns about their mental health. The centre has a history of violence, self-harm and a recent murder charge after a detainee was killed. The Commonwealth Ombudsman flagged prolonged child detention, unsafe conditions, understaffing and building hazards, while the Home Affairs department agreed to implement most of the recommended reforms.