Detention centre probe
11/6/08
The controversial issue of immigration detention centres and their alternatives will be examined by a parliamentary inquiry. Refugee advocates have repeatedly called for an end to mandatory detention, saying it leads to mental health problems. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has asked a committee to examine issues such as the criteria for detention and length of time in centres, alternatives such as residential housing and community detention and detention centres’ physical environment. There are 461 people in immigration detention. Some are asylum seekers, others are appealing against deportation following criminal offences and others have breached visa conditions or entered Australia illegally.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/national/detention-centre-probe-20080610-2omg.html
Tags: Australia, Refugees & Migrants