The federal Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works announced on 4 December 2025 that it will conduct a site visit to Western Australia’s Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre before holding public hearings with Department of Home Affairs officials. The A$92 million project proposes a complete rebuild of the high-security Hawk Compound, citing escalating safety risks and non-compliance with the National Construction Code.
Project details – Plans include new accommodation blocks, upgraded medical facilities and expanded education rooms designed to support trauma-informed detention management. Capacity will remain at around 600 detainees, but room configurations will allow flexible segregation of cohorts following the High Court’s November ruling that indefinite detention is unlawful.
![Parliamentary committee to scrutinise major redevelopment of Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre]()
Oversight significance – Under the Public Works Committee Act, any Commonwealth construction over A$15 million requires committee approval. The scrutiny comes amid budget pressure: the overall detention network cost taxpayers A$1.2 billion last year, with Yongah Hill accounting for 17 per cent.
Stakeholder perspectives – Human-rights groups argue funds would be better spent on community-based alternatives, while the Home Affairs union says aging infrastructure exposes staff to assaults. Local shire representatives back the redevelopment, citing 120 construction jobs and sustained demand for services in Northam.
Next steps – Written submissions close on 15 December, with a committee report expected in February 2026. Mobility and relocation providers should track the timeline, as temporary housing stock for subcontractors in the Wheatbelt region may tighten during the construction phase.
Project details – Plans include new accommodation blocks, upgraded medical facilities and expanded education rooms designed to support trauma-informed detention management. Capacity will remain at around 600 detainees, but room configurations will allow flexible segregation of cohorts following the High Court’s November ruling that indefinite detention is unlawful.
Oversight significance – Under the Public Works Committee Act, any Commonwealth construction over A$15 million requires committee approval. The scrutiny comes amid budget pressure: the overall detention network cost taxpayers A$1.2 billion last year, with Yongah Hill accounting for 17 per cent.
Stakeholder perspectives – Human-rights groups argue funds would be better spent on community-based alternatives, while the Home Affairs union says aging infrastructure exposes staff to assaults. Local shire representatives back the redevelopment, citing 120 construction jobs and sustained demand for services in Northam.
Next steps – Written submissions close on 15 December, with a committee report expected in February 2026. Mobility and relocation providers should track the timeline, as temporary housing stock for subcontractors in the Wheatbelt region may tighten during the construction phase.
