16 May 2011 in Media
Reporter: There are calls for the federal government to rule any expansion of the Inverbrackie detention centre near Woodside. The Immigration Minister has previously declared no more than 400 people will live at the centre, but today his department revealed that that number’s flexible.
Reporter: Raye Colbey lives across from the Inverbrackie detention centre. She’s never liked it and rumours of an expansion have hardened her views.
Resident: It doesn’t make you feel safe at night. It doesn’t make you feel safe if you’re home alone.
Reporter: The Federal Government says there are no plans for expansion, but it has backtracked on the detail. Before the centre was open, Immigration Minister Chris Bowen assured us its population wouldn’t exceed 400. Today a department spokesman revealed that number’s flexible.
Jamie Briggs: That is a huge backflip by Chris Bowen and he needs to answer the question very clearly, will he rule out at any time in the future more than 400 people being in this centre.
Reporter: The question comes after Seven news revealed documents detailing two disturbances at the centre, including one where a child was allegedly manhandled by an officer. The security company managing the facility says the incident was investigated and no further action taken.
Most Woodside residents say from an outside perspective, they’ve got no major problems with how the centre is being managed.
Resident: We have been told of a couple of incidents and they’re actually nothing to be worried about.
Reporter: Ben Terry, Seven news.