[Greens-Media] Abbott Government vs PNG Police: contradictory Manus reports threaten investigations

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

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Abbott Government vs PNG Police: contradictory Manus reports threaten investigations

The extraordinary reaction of the PNG Police to the Abbott Government's internal review of the violence on Manus Island shows that a focus on blame shifting is getting in the way of justice, the Australian Greens have said.

"In the rush to blame anyone but themselves, PNG and Australian authorities have made a mess of the response to the Manus Island attacks," the Greens' immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"Casting doubts on the accuracy of the Cornall review, the PNG Police have continued the blame game that authorities began on the night of the attack.

"There is very little hope that justice will be served on Manus Island, as it's clear no one is willing to accept responsibility.

"Ultimately, responsibility for what happened in the centre falls squarely at the feet of the Immigration Minister. His refusal to accept that is extremely concerning.

"The toxic culture inside the Manus Island detention camp means it will never be safe and that it must be shut down before more attacks take place.

"The Senate Inquiry into the incident, which is due to begin public hearings in June, is the last chance for a genuine investigation into the attacks that left one man dead and dozens seriously injured."


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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