The state government has officially hired Broadspectrum to provide security and custodial services to Western Australia from next year, under a $235.8 million contract previously held by Serco.
Broadspectrum will begin delivering the services from March next year under the five-year contract, which Corrective Services Minister Joe Francis said was negotiated for $36 million less than Serco’s contract.
“As well as significantly reducing costs, the new contract provides a range of additional services,” he said.
"These include extra duties at seven regional courts, increased clearance of people in custody from police lock-ups, and improved services at the Supreme Court and Magistrates Court.
“This will free-up police officers to focus on frontline policing duties.’’
Mr Francis said that, under the contract, youth transport and court custody services would return to the Department of Corrective Services to improve the continuity of care and support for young people.
"The contract will also provide for financial penalties for performance breaches as well as performance linked payments," he said.
Broadspectrum, which was acquired by Spanish company Ferrovial earlier this year, was named the preferred proponent for the contract in August.
The contract was re-tendered in June after the Public Administration Committee concluded it would be necessary in order to ensure a cost-effective service was being delivered.
Mr Francis said the state government was set to save taxpayers $126 million over the next five years by working with the private sector in corrections, court security and custodial services.
“This includes extending Serco's contract to operate Acacia Prison ($55 million saving), and the selection of Sodexo to operate the new Melaleuca women's prison ($35 million saving),” he said.
