Wilson Security to pull out of Aussie offshore detention centres

Wilson Security will withdraw from Australia's offshore detention centres in October 2017, local media reported on Friday.

The security service, subcontracted by centre operator Broadspectrum, said it would cease operations on Manus Island and Nauru at the end of its current contract.

Wilson Security said in the past its personnel had provided 24 hours a day security to the detention centres since 2012 to create an environment in which asylum seekers felt safe.

"The provision of security services at Regional Processing Centres (RPCs) is not in line with Wilson Security's long-term strategic priorities," the company said in a statement.

"Wilson Security has carried out its contractual obligations to the best of its ability and takes pride in its performance."

However, its four-year service has been marred by controversy including allegations that staff had abused asylum seekers and a forced apology to Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young over guards who spied on her during her visit to Nauru last August.

The announcement follows a decision on August 9 by Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial Services, which now owns more than 50 percent of ASX-listed Broadspectrum, formerly Transfield, to end work for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in October next year.

"In line with Broadspectrum's future intentions, Wilson Security can now confirm that it will also not tender for any further offshore detention services."

"Wilson Security will continue to deliver all aspects of its current contract with Broadspectrum until completion of the contract," the company said.

Papua New Guinea has already said it will close the Manus Island detention centre after the country's Supreme Court ruled that it was illegal in April. Endit