Baxter Food Report Released

VPS 111/2005

Minister for Immigration, Amanda Vanstone, today released the findings of an independent review into food services at the Baxter Immigration Detention Facility.

‘My department commissioned the review in response to ongoing complaints by detainees about the food at the Baxter facility,’ Senator Vanstone said.

‘The review indicates that not all of the required food standards at Baxter have been met. This is a disappointing result and I have instructed my department to work with Global Solutions Limited (GSL) to make all of the necessary changes.

‘The review makes a number of recommendations, many of which have already been implemented. These include greater menu choice, some self-catering, including regular barbeques, and increased opportunities for detainees to have a say on food. Further changes are likely.

‘The GSL contract already requires that detainees be provided with good quality, nutritional food that is interesting, appealing and culturally appropriate.’

Senator Vanstone said the Palmer Report had also made recommendations to improve food services at Baxter, particularly to allow greater independence and variety in food.

‘Food has a substantial impact on the morale of detainees and as such I have instructed my department to quickly assess and introduce changes that go above and beyond the recommendations made,’ Senator Vanstone said.

‘As part of the general review of the contract recommended in the Palmer report, the department will also consider whether any amendments are needed to the descriptions and standards for food services in the contract,’ Senator Vanstone said.