The company that’s run Australia’s immigration detention network for over a decade has lost its contract, following years of scandals, incidents of self-harm and allegations of mistreatment and disproportionate use of force. The federal government’ decision to not renew Serco’s contract has been welcomed by advocates and former detainees, but with a new private prison operator taking over, there’s little optimism that conditions will improve.

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Denham Sadler on Serco’s ugly legacy and the future of immigration detention in Australia.

On Nauru, there are close to 100 asylum seekers who have been released from detention but are currently living hand-to-mouth. They have been released into the community, but are forbidden to work and are surviving on a stipend of $230 a fortnight – which they say is not even enough for three meals a day.

Today, Denham Sadler on surviving on Nauru and whether Australia’s policy of offshore detention will ever end.

The parole system exists to help people in prison who are no longer deemed a risk to the community begin to re-enter society.

But the death in custody of an Indigenous woman who had been eligible for release for a year has raised questions about whether the laws are too strict.

Today, Denham Sadler on the consequences of Victoria’s parole laws, and the case for further reform.

Imagine being arrested and put into custody – and in desperate need of medical care. Who is responsible for helping you? Who are you meant to turn to for healthcare?

For Veronica Nelson, who died in custody in 2020, a private company was responsible – Correct Care.

As a Covid-19 outbreak continues to spread throughout the NSW prison system, family members of those inside Parklea correctional centre are now speaking out about their concerns over the level of care and treatment Covid positive patients are receiving. Today, Denham Sadler on what happens when you test positive for Covid-19 inside prison, and how this outbreak could have been prevented.