Refugee groups slam mandatory detention after another suicide
October 26, 2011 05:20 pm
Another suicide at Villawood Detention Centre has furious refugee groups questioning how long the federal government will continue mandatory detention.
Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul today slammed the government following the death this morning of the Tamil refugee, known as ‘Shooty’ to his friends.
The Immigration Department has confirmed the man was taken to hospital earlier today but died.
Citing poisoning as a possible cause of death, Mr Rintoul said a number of approaches had been made to DIAC to have Shooty released into community detention, but they had been unsuccessful.
He said the man’s failed bid to be released to attend a Hindu festival may have sparked his suicide.
“How many more lives will it take before the government acts to end mandatory detention?” he said.
“How absolutely tragic, but how telling, that an accepted refugee could feel despair enough to take their own life in a detention centre.’’
Shooty had been had been in detention for just over two years and had recently been moved to the family compound at Villawood.
He had been accepted as a refugee about seven months ago, but was waiting for an ASIO security assessment, RAC said.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young expressed her sympathy for the Sri Lankan man, saying she was thinking of his friends and family.
“This latest suicide is a tragedy and a reminder of the damage long-term detention causes people whose mental states are already delicate,’’ she said.
“His desperate act, plus the harsh conditions in detention centres as exposed by Four Corners on Monday night, show why Australia should immediately end its cruel policy of indefinite and mandatory detention.’’
The latest death at Villawood comes after three detainees committed suicide at the same complex in 2010.
A spokeswoman for the Immigration Department said there would be an investigation into the circumstances of the man’s death, and would not comment further.
Senator Chris Evans, a former immigration minister, earlier said that while mandatory detention was needed for health and security checks, community detention was often a better option where it was possible.
“There is a need for efficient processing,’’ he said.
“It’s partly because the system has been under pressure due to the increased number of arrivals.’’
Mr Bowen defended the time taken to assess asylum claims, saying the government had been releasing increasing amounts of detainees into the community.
He said the man had been waiting in detention for two years, had his refugee application approved in August but was still awaiting a security clearance from ASIO.
“Obviously, any death, at any time, is a tragedy and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends today,” he said.
“There is a police investigation and there will no doubt be a Coronial inquiry. The Department of Immigration will fully cooperate of course with any investigation that occurs.” (DailyTelegraph)
Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul today slammed the government following the death this morning of the Tamil refugee, known as ‘Shooty’ to his friends.
The Immigration Department has confirmed the man was taken to hospital earlier today but died.
Citing poisoning as a possible cause of death, Mr Rintoul said a number of approaches had been made to DIAC to have Shooty released into community detention, but they had been unsuccessful.
He said the man’s failed bid to be released to attend a Hindu festival may have sparked his suicide.
“How many more lives will it take before the government acts to end mandatory detention?” he said.
“How absolutely tragic, but how telling, that an accepted refugee could feel despair enough to take their own life in a detention centre.’’
Shooty had been had been in detention for just over two years and had recently been moved to the family compound at Villawood.
He had been accepted as a refugee about seven months ago, but was waiting for an ASIO security assessment, RAC said.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young expressed her sympathy for the Sri Lankan man, saying she was thinking of his friends and family.
“This latest suicide is a tragedy and a reminder of the damage long-term detention causes people whose mental states are already delicate,’’ she said.
“His desperate act, plus the harsh conditions in detention centres as exposed by Four Corners on Monday night, show why Australia should immediately end its cruel policy of indefinite and mandatory detention.’’
The latest death at Villawood comes after three detainees committed suicide at the same complex in 2010.
A spokeswoman for the Immigration Department said there would be an investigation into the circumstances of the man’s death, and would not comment further.
Senator Chris Evans, a former immigration minister, earlier said that while mandatory detention was needed for health and security checks, community detention was often a better option where it was possible.
“There is a need for efficient processing,’’ he said.
“It’s partly because the system has been under pressure due to the increased number of arrivals.’’
Mr Bowen defended the time taken to assess asylum claims, saying the government had been releasing increasing amounts of detainees into the community.
He said the man had been waiting in detention for two years, had his refugee application approved in August but was still awaiting a security clearance from ASIO.
“Obviously, any death, at any time, is a tragedy and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends today,” he said.
“There is a police investigation and there will no doubt be a Coronial inquiry. The Department of Immigration will fully cooperate of course with any investigation that occurs.” (DailyTelegraph)
