Build-own-operate - The procurement of correctional services

In an attempt to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of correctional facilities the Australian Government has recognised the need for their privatisation. Consequently, the Victorian Government initiated an 'Infrastructure Investment Policy', which led to the development of a portfolio called the 'New Prisons Project'. The paper presents findings from several prison projects that have been procured using different procurement methods by both the public and private sector. The findings reveal that prisons procured by the private sector using BOO systems are more cost efficient, specifically in relation to construction and operating costs, than those procured by other means. Discussions on the future of privatising correctional services using BOO systems are also presented.