Contents Commissioner’s Foreword 5 1. Introduction 7 2. Background 9 2.1 Immigration detention in Australia 9 2.2 History of APODs 2.3 Methodology 10 2.4 Relevant human rights standards 11 2.5 Key Statistics 12 2.6 Facility Information 14 3. Key observations and concerns 17 3.1 Length of detention 17 3.2 Physical conditions of detention 20 (a) Accommodation 20 (b) Shared facilities and outdoor space 29 (c) Freedom of movement 31 (d) Privacy 32 (e) Communication and visits 32 (f) Food 34 (g) The use of restraints 35 3.3 Programs and activities 36 3.4 Health care 37 (a) IHMS health services 38 (b) Access to specialist health care 39 (c) Mental health care 42 3.5 Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic 44 3.6 Alternatives to Closed Detention 46 4. Releases from Hotel APODs 49 4.1 The Role of Ministerial Discretion 49 4.2 The Process of Release 50 5. Post-Release Support 53 5.1 Status Resolution Support Services 53 5.2 Visa Renewal Process 55 5.3 Medical Care 56 Appendix 1 – List of Recommendations 4 9 59