[Greens-Media] Morrison escapes scrutiny in the Government’s cover-up inquiry

Thu Feb 27 09:31:39 EST 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Morrison escapes scrutiny in the Government’s cover-up inquiry

The terms of reference for an Immigration Department inquiry into an incident at its own detention camp on Manus Island that left one young man dead have failed to take the role of the Immigration Minister into account, the Australian Greens have said.

"This review is entirely inadequate," the Greens' immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"Despite the Minister's promises to the Parliament and the Australian people that the review will look specifically into his own conduct, it looks like this inquiry will just be another whitewash from a Government in cover-up mode.

"A man has been killed and, rather than looking into what role the Government and responsible Minister played in the event, this review will only skim the surface.

"This was the government's chance to show that it actually cared about Reza Berati and the other refugees in their care. The Government has instead chosen to fail Reza for a second time.

“Preliminary reports from a PNG investigation are already emerging but the Australian Government has been dragging its heels.

“With the inquiry not due to report until April, the Minister can’t use it as yet another excuse for secrecy and must commit to keeping the Australian people informed of new information regarding the Manus Island attack as it comes to hand.”

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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