23 May 2011 in Media
I support the call by the Shadow Minister for Immigration, Scott Morrison, for a Parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s immigration detention facilities.
Reports relating to the management of the Inverbrackie detention facility have concerned me deeply in recent weeks.
We have seen reports of violence, mistreatment of young detainees, cost blow outs and insufficient Police powers, raising significant concerns about the management of the Inverbrackie facility.
These are matters that should be fully investigated by the Parliament to ensure that the system is being managed properly.
Already at Christmas Island, Curtain and Villawood, extremely violent incidents have occurred and everything possible should be done to prevent further occurrences.
Unfortunately the detention network is shrouded in secrecy. A Parliamentary inquiry will ensure that at least some sunlight can get in and find out just what is happening in Australia’s detention facilities.
The Labor Government should be open and honest and subject its system to proper accountability.
That is the least the community would expect