Western Australian Heads of Churches support calls for an independent inquiry into unrest and violence at Port Hedland Immigration Centre

10 December 2003

Members of the Association of Heads of Churches in WA at their meeting recently discussed the unrest and violence which occurred at the Port Hedland Detention Centre on Thursday December 4th (and Friday 5th). As a result of the discussion the undersigned members have supported calls in various quarters for a speedy and independent inquiry.

Association chairperson, the Revd Geoff Burger, indicated that the Commonwealth Ombudsman would be an appropriate authority to carry out such an inquiry.

“Clearly the Ombudsman has the mandate to investigate the incidents at the centre last week and is also able to refer any relevant matters to the Western Australian Ombudsman,” Mr Burger said.

“Our meeting was disturbed by the information presented to us, particularly in relation to the decision to isolate a young teenager who was subsequently found not to have been involved in the violence. That the lad has also reported being hit with batons while he was in isolation makes the matter worse.”

“Members of our Association were very clear that they do not want an inquiry to be a general one, which could take a very long time. Rather, they want an investigation which is specifically focussed on the incidents which began on Thursday last and spilled over into Friday.”

 “Today is International Human Rights Day.  We believe that we need to  focus attention on the management and running of the immigration detention centres to ensure that the rights of the detainees are well protected and respected,” Mr Burger concluded.

This statement is issued in the names of:

Media Contact Chairperson: Rev Geoff Burger, 9227 8072 mobile 0421 659 460