BY LAUREN KEMPE
The University of Newcastle is planning to cut away from its five-year, $88 million contract with Broadspectrum.
Broadspectrum runs Australia's detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island, and the University's involvement with the company has brought about significant protest from students and staff in recent times.
The protests have been largely motivated by reports of abuse suffered by asylum seekers and refugees at both of Broadspectrum's detention centres.
In a written comment, a spokeswoman for the University of Newcastle has said the new arrangements the University will now directly engage and manage maintenance service providers as part of its revised Estate Management Strategy.
"Our priority is to ensure that we continue to deliver high-quality and efficient maintenance and facilities services for the benefit of our staff and students. Our new arrangements will ensure that this continues into the future and that services continue without disruption whilst still providing value for money in the expenditure of the University's funds," said the spokeswoman.
The University of Newcastle stated there will be continuity for existing service providers and strong relationships with other local contractors.
