[Greens-Media] Damning Manus Island report: government failure led to Reza Barati tragedy

[Schultz-Byard, Noah (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Damning Manus Island report: government failure led to Reza Barati tragedy

The final report from a Senate inquiry into the violence at the Manus Island detention centre in February has slammed the government for failing to protect asylum seekers that were in its care.

"This damning report clearly shows that the Abbott government has ultimate responsibility for the centre and for the people held there," Senator Hanson-Young said.

"The committee has said that the victims of this attack deserve to be compensated. It's now up to the government to do the right thing.

"The Immigration Minister can't keep blaming the PNG government for what happened that night. The fact is the buck stops with him and he's responsible for everything that goes on in the centre.

"We know now that Reza Barati's death was entirely preventable. The government was warned repeatedly that the situation there was deteriorating and that security provisions were inadequate. The government's inaction led to this tragedy and they must be held accountable.

"The mountain of evidence submitted to this inquiry all points to one undeniable fact; the Manus Island centre is untenable and must be closed down now.

"The severe lack of training for Manus Island workers contributed directly to the tragic results of the attack.

"It's clear that the media and independent observers like the UN must be given full and free access to the centre. The government should heed the committee's recommendations and let them in.

"Scott Morrison's behaviour following the brutal attack on the centre was reprehensible. He lied to the Australian people and blamed the victims themselves."


Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760


NOAH SCHULTZ-BYARD  STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER

OFFICE OF SENATOR SARAH HANSON-YOUNG
AUSTRALIAN GREENS SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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