HREOC Media Release

9 Jan 08 : Immigration detention centres: improvements, but still more work to do.

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) released its annual inspection report on conditions in immigration detention centres today, noting that despite improvements, significant work remained to be done.

The Summary of Observations following the Inspection of Mainland Immigration Detention Facilities 2007 covers official visits by HREOC to detention centres around the country between August and November 2007.

"Though improvements have been made for many people held in detention in Australia, the conditions in Stage 1 of the Villawood immigration centre – where many long-term detainees are held – remain a disgrace," said Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes.

"Last year HREOC recommended that Stage 1 be demolished – we make the same recommendation this year.

"I also repeat HREOC's view that many people are still held in detention for too long."
By nature, indefinite detention has a seriously debilitating effect on the mental health of detainees.

"We need to get people out of detention faster in order to reduce the risk of causing long-term mental health damage," Commissioner Innes said.

"There are range of alternatives to holding people in detention centres, including the issuing of bridging visas or residence determinations more readily so that people can live in the community."

Though there is ongoing work to be done, the inspection report also observed some clear improvements.

"I congratulate the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for its continuing efforts to improve conditions for those people held in most of Australia's detention centres, as well as the ongoing improvements in the attitudes of staff working in the detention facilities" said Mr Innes.

"In particular I welcome the substantial improvements in the Northern Immigration Detention Centre in Darwin since our last report."

The Summary of Observations following the Inspection of Mainland Immigration Detention Facilities in 2007 can be found online at www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/idc
Media contact: Brinsley Marlay 02 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529