Baxter reforms still leave detainees in limbo

Baxter reforms still leave detainees in limbo

Greens Immigration Spokesperson, Senator Kerry Nettle, today indicated that the key reform the Baxter detention centre needed was to have the gates opened.

"The most serious damage detainees suffer in immigration detention is not knowing when or if they will get out. Indefinite loss of liberty is the main problem for detainees, not a lack of hockey fields," Senator Nettle said.

"The Palmer inquiry did not have the capacity to question the policy of mandatory detention of asylum seekers and as a result the recommendations amount to little more than beautifying the cage, whilst detainees are driven mad inside.

"Incidents of self harm, hunger strikes and suicide attempts will continue whilst this government maintains a policy of indefinite mandatory detention of asylum seekers. A new lunch menu won't end the pain of prolonged detention.

"The massive cost of establishing and maintaining desert prisons like Baxter is insulting to taxpayers who are footing the bill for this cruel and unnecessary policy.

"The Greens policy is to scrap mandatory detention of asylum seekers and instead support asylum seekers to live in the community whilst their claims for asylum are assessed."

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