[Greens-Media] ALP should not backflip on immigration detention centres

[Phillips, Max (Sen K. Nettle)]

ALP should not backflip on immigration detention centres

19 February 2008

The new Labor government should not backflip on its election promise to
have 'detention centres managed by the public sector', said Australian
Greens spokesperson on Immigration, Senator Kerry Nettle.

"I am concerned that Minister Evans is preparing the ground for a
backflip on whether immigration detention centres are managed by the
Commonwealth or outsourced to the private sector," said Senator Nettle.

"The Minister should make it clear whether the Rudd government supports
public or private management of detention centres.

"Labor policy at the election was for publicly managed detention
centres, now the Minister is citing difficulties with contracts with
private companies as a reason not to implement this clear policy.

"Private management of detention centres has been a disaster in terms of
accountability and ensuring the humane treatment of asylum seekers and
other detainees.

"The Howard government used private management of detention centres to
shift the blame and muddy the waters of responsibility and the duty of
care over detainees.  

"Private management of detention centres were part of the problem with
the tragic treatment of Cornelia Rau.
	 
Greens welcome Rau compensation

The Greens also welcome the announcement of compensation for Cornelia
Rau.

Cornelia has written to The Greens upset at the three year delay in
compensation and recognition of her ordeal," said Senator Nettle.

"I've been pursuing the issue of compensation for years now and I'm
happy that Cornelia will now be able to get on with her life."

Contact: Max Phillips 0414 338 526