Media release

Government urged to prevent human tradegy in detention centres

The Government needs to act swiftly to prevent suicide and self-harm in Australian immigration detention facilities, according to an editorial in the latest Medical Journal of Australia.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman confirmed in July that his office would be investigating suicide and self-harm in Australian detention facilities. The investigation will focus on the rates of suicide and self-harm compared with those in the broader Australian community, the impacts of the length of time detainees spend in detention, and the design of mental health services for detainees.

Professor Louise Newman, from Monash University, and co-authors said that they support the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s decision, as the detention system is in crisis and needs urgent attention by the Government to prevent more human tragedy from occurring.

“More than 1,100 incidents of threatened or actual self harm across all places of detention were reported in the 2010-11 financial year,” Prof Newman said.

“After a lengthy period of no suicides, there have been five since September 2010.

“There have been reports of many ‘near-miss’ cases and of a culture of hopelessness and despair inside immigration detention centres.

“Strong evidence confirms poor health among immigration detainees, which deteriorates over time, and shows a clear association between time in detention and rates of mental illness.

“In addition to these matters, the detention environment is also known to impact heavily on the mental and physical health of the people who work there.

“A national humanitarian solution is critical. Without this, the consequences will be catastrophic for all who are engaged in this system.”

The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.


The statements or opinions that are expressed in the MJA  reflect the views of the authors and do not represent the official policy of the AMA unless that is so stated.

 

CONTACT:     Professor Louise Newman                                0418 453 447

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