Media Statement regarding Pontville Immigration Detention Centre

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Today I was able to tour the Pontville Immigration Detention Centre having been encouraged to do so earlier in the year by people who volunteer at the centre. I wanted to see the facility for myself, and listen to the experience of staff and volunteers.

The Pontville centre is a very good facility with hardworking staff and a lot of support from the Tasmanian community. I was pleased to hear of the strong relationship between different service providers who have worked together to produce a good model of care for detainees.

The majority of detainees in Pontville will be moved into the community before the centre closes in March 2012. This is in line with the Government’s policy that the final stages of processing occur on bridging visas or in community detention.

I believe that the best option is for detainees to be released in the community and the Gillard Government’s intention is that 50 per cent of asylum seekers are released on either bridging visas or into community detention.   Time spent in detention must be kept to a minimum, and detainees must be treated with dignity and respect. We must not forget that we are talking about human beings.Research shows that refugees held in detention for only a short time have far better settlement outcomes than those in prolonged detention.  

I have met with many Tasmanians and organisations who have welcomed the asylum seekers at Pontville with warmth and kindness. I would especially like to acknowledge the leadership of Brighton Mayor Tony Foster, those involved with Tasmanian Asylum Seeker Support group and all volunteers and community groups involved with Pontville.
-          Senator Lisa Singh