The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Allan Asher today, welcomed Immigration Minister Chris Bowen’s announcement of a new mainland immigration detention centre at Wickham Point–Darwin and other expanded facilities and support services, as an opportunity for improved immigration detention outcomes, especially for children and families.

Mr Asher extended this acknowledgment of the announcement as a positive step towards a fuller implementation of the Government’s Immigration Detention Values announced on 29 July 2008.

“Today’s announcement provides the opportunity to continue progress towards more fully implementing the government’s Immigration Detention Values–particularly capacity for achieving quicker transfers of children and families to more appropriate mainland community detention facilities,” Mr Asher said.

At the time of release of Ombudsman’s February report* concerning the Christmas Island detention facilities, Mr Asher said “there is little doubt that resources have been sorely stretched as the facilities have sought to accommodate a continued increase in numbers of people seeking refuge in Australia” and that “the current scale of the operation on Christmas Island is not sustainable”.

Mr Asher said he “remained concerned about timeliness in processing refugee applications, delays in security agency clearances and various health issues–particularly those related to mental health”.

Other recommendations highlighted the lack of appropriate accommodation, education and recreation activities, and the need to provide more and correct interpreters on Christmas Island.  Mr Asher was particularly concerned about overcrowding and the need to provide community detention on mainland Australia–especially for unaccompanied minors, families with children and people who have received positive refugee assessments but who are awaiting security clearances.

Mr Asher welcomed the Minister’s positive response to his report and the Ombudsman’s role in providing ongoing independent oversight.  He also acknowledged DIAC’s responsiveness to his periodic public reports and ongoing private briefings, willingness to accept advice, and learn from mistakes and make improvements.

* Christmas Island detention centre facilities: Report on the Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman’s oversight of immigration processes on Christmas Island October 2008-September 2010, 02/2011, February 2011

Media contact: Media 02 6276 3759

Follow the Ombudsman on twitter – http://twitter.com/CwealthOmb

Date of release: 4 March 2011

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      04 Mar 2011: Improved immigration detention outcomes for children and families

      The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Allan Asher today, welcomed Immigration Minister Chris Bowen’s announcement of a new mainland immigration detention centre at Wickham Point–Darwin and other expanded facilities and support services, as an opportunity for improved immigration detention outcomes, especially for children and families.

      Mr Asher extended this acknowledgment of the announcement as a positive step towards a fuller implementation of the Government’s Immigration Detention Values announced on 29 July 2008.

      “Today’s announcement provides the opportunity to continue progress towards more fully implementing the government’s Immigration Detention Values–particularly capacity for achieving quicker transfers of children and families to more appropriate mainland community detention facilities,” Mr Asher said.

      At the time of release of Ombudsman’s February report* concerning the Christmas Island detention facilities, Mr Asher said “there is little doubt that resources have been sorely stretched as the facilities have sought to accommodate a continued increase in numbers of people seeking refuge in Australia” and that “the current scale of the operation on Christmas Island is not sustainable”.

      Mr Asher said he “remained concerned about timeliness in processing refugee applications, delays in security agency clearances and various health issues–particularly those related to mental health”.

      Other recommendations highlighted the lack of appropriate accommodation, education and recreation activities, and the need to provide more and correct interpreters on Christmas Island.  Mr Asher was particularly concerned about overcrowding and the need to provide community detention on mainland Australia–especially for unaccompanied minors, families with children and people who have received positive refugee assessments but who are awaiting security clearances.

      Mr Asher welcomed the Minister’s positive response to his report and the Ombudsman’s role in providing ongoing independent oversight.  He also acknowledged DIAC’s responsiveness to his periodic public reports and ongoing private briefings, willingness to accept advice, and learn from mistakes and make improvements.

      * Christmas Island detention centre facilities: Report on the Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman’s oversight of immigration processes on Christmas Island October 2008-September 2010, 02/2011, February 2011

      Media contact: Media 02 6276 3759

      Follow the Ombudsman on twitter – http://twitter.com/CwealthOmb

      Date of release: 4 March 2011