Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre and Broadmeadows Residential Precinct Following significant infrastructure works, the site of the original MIDC facility (which was a low-security facility designed for short-term detention) was split into two separate complexes. MIDC North is a high-security complex with high fences and other extensive security features that has been in operation since 2018 and is used to detain adult men. MIDC North contains the Glenelg compound, Ford compound, Erskine compound, Dargo compound (currently used for quarantine) and Shaw compound (High Care Accommodation). MIDC South is a medium-security complex that is divided into 3 accommodation compounds which also house men. MIDC South contains Avon compound, Bass 1 compound and Bass 2 compound. Adjacent to MIDC is the BRP which is designated as an APOD where women and men are housed. The BRP contains 10 self-contained units, 8 of which are 3 bedrooms and 2 are 4 bedrooms — the configuration of which can change but in total could accommodate up to 50 people. Each unit contains a kitchen for self-catering, a lounge with television, laundry and dryer, an outdoor porch with a clothesline, a landline phone and a computer with internet access. There is no CCTV inside bedrooms, and they are not lockable, but the front door and security door can be locked by Serco, though they usually are kept open. The BRP also contains outdoor spaces, exercise equipment, a volleyball area, outdoor gardening activities, a communal activities area (Hartland hut) and several murals throughout the entire facility. The BRP has a low restriction regime and security features such as CCTV are more discrete than at other facilities. The BRP is surrounded by a high external perimeter fence. Health services for women are facilitated at the MIDC. Access to the gymnasium occurs in the Avon compound and the visitors centre and canteen are accessed in MIDC South. The Commission has previously described the BRP as providing ‘a far less harsh and restrictive detention environment as compared to higher-security immigration detention facilities and hotel APODs’.178 Detention centre staff described the BRP as the nicest facility within the immigration detention network due to its residential feel and less clinical appearance. Most women shared positive comments about the BRP. For example, one woman said, ‘[w]e’ve got a lot better than everybody else — we have access to fresh food and ingredients and can cook our own. [We’re] not forced to eat whatever is on the menu. When I came here, I was furious as [I was] separated from family but living conditions are so much better’. Another woman stated, ‘[w]e are fortunate to be at BRP. But it’s still a cage, just a prettier cage. Still lacking freedom or choices’. The Department advised the Commission that over the past 12 months both the MIDC and BRP have received basic infrastructure upgrades including reinforcement of fencing in MIDC North and CCTV camera coverage and increased security fencing at the BRP. Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre and Broadmeadows Residential Precinct 43