Villawood detention centre report warns of drug dealing and safety concerns

A scathing report from Australia's National Preventive Mechanism reveals severe safety and operational failures at Villawood detention centre, including drug dealing, makeshift weapon manufacturing, and a pervasive culture of fear among detainees. The independent monitor documented prolonged detention of children, inadequate staffing levels, and deteriorating facility conditions, with some detainees forced to sleep outside under surveillance for safety reasons. The report highlights systemic issues including children being denied school access and unrepaired fire damage leaving nearly 80 beds offline.