On Air Highlights

Christmas Island riot report highlights flaws in detention

29 November 2011

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An independent report into riots at Australian immigration detention centres earlier this year has recommended changes to clarify the roles of security staff in future incidents.

Buildings were burned and detainees and staff were injured when asylum seekers riotted at the Villawood and Christmas Island detention centres, earlier this year.

The report from two retired public servants found the riots occurred at a time of overcrowding and ‘severe stress’ in detention centres, because of a rise in boat arrivals last year – and that there was confusion between the centre’s operators – Serco – and police about who should respond.

Tracee Hutchison spoke to Kim Ryan, the CEO of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses – part of a coalition of mental health advocates who’ve been pushing for improved mental health standards in Australian Detention Centres.

Presenter: Tracee Hutchison

Speaker: Kim Ryan, the CEO of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses