Fed: Ruddock writes to Medical Journal to complain about article

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2001
Fed: Ruddock writes to Medical Journal to complain about article

By Elizabeth Gosch

CANBERRA, Dec 9 AAP - Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock wrote to the Medical Journal
of Australia (MJA) today to complain about an article on the health of asylum seekers
held in detention centres across the country.

The article, in the December issue of the journal, was written by medical practitioner
and detainee at Sydney's Villawood Detention Centre, Aamer Sultan, and former visiting
psychologist Kevin O'Sullivan.

They warned prolonged confinement in immigration detention centres could have severe
psychologically disabling effects on asylum seekers.

The intimidating and harsh environment of Australia's immigration detention centres
threatened the fragile mental health of asylum seekers, the article said.

"The physical environment (of Villawood) is intimidating," Drs Sultan and O'Sullivan said.

"We have observed harsh and uncompassionate handling of asylum seekers by staff."

But Mr Ruddock said in his letter to the editor of the MJA that the article contained
several errors and distortions.

"The article made several claims that are factually wrong and would not have withstood
even cursory examination, had you sought verification," the minister said.

"Detention is not arbitrary, it is humane and is not designed to be punitive."

Another distortion related to a hunger strike at Villawood, Mr Ruddock said.

"During a hunger strike in July 2000, all electrical power and water supplies to the
cell block where the hunger strikers were residing were cut off, affecting uninvolved
women and children," the article said.

But Mr Ruddock said there were no cells at Villawood and the alleged cell block was
actually a recreation room.

"The water supplies were cut when the earth moving equipment outside the centre accidentally
cut the mains supply to the area, affecting surrounding homes and the centre," he said.

"Water containers were provided for the detainees until the water supplies were restored.

"What Mr Sultan does not tell you about the power supply was that it was cut when detainees
ripped wires out of electrical equipment and threatened to use them to electrocute staff."

Dr Sultan's article also raised the issue of head counts at 0200 (AEDT) or 0530 (AEDT).

"Head counts have taken place at 2am but what you were not told was these followed
escapes and are not routine," Mr Ruddock said.

The minister also rejected claims there was a dearth of educational and resource material.

"It is disappointing that a publication of your standing did not make even cursory
enquires on simple factual issues," he said in closing.

AAP eg/jmd/sb

KEYWORD: ASYLUM RUDDOCK

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