Mandatory detention - The People's Inquiry

18 November 2005

Cornelia Rau's sister, Christine Rau, will speak at the launch this weekend of a three-day People's Inquiry into Detention, hosted by the University of New South Wales' Centre for Refugee Research.

In response to public outcry over the wrongful detention of Australian resident Cornelia Rau, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) convened an inquiry by former Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer. Asylum seeker advocates demanded a broader inquiry that has failed to eventuate.

The Australian Council of Heads of Schools of Social Work have answered that call by initiating a People's Inquiry, which is taking place at various locations around Australia. The Inquiry is examining the effects of mandatory detention and the immigration department's practices.

Inquiry President Justice Marcus Einfield will be one of the panel members hearing evidence from those who have experienced or have knowledge of detention in Australia.

"The Inquiry is a transparent process that will investigate and assess issues such as the accountability of detention practices and the impact of detention on the wellbeing and mental health of detainees," says Associate Professor Linda Briskman from RMIT in Melbourne, convenor of the People's Inquiry.

Other areas to be examined include the privatisation of detention centres, deportation methods and outcomes, the costs of detention and DIMIA's decision-making processes.

What: People's Inquiry into Detention

Where: The Chancellery Building, University of New South Wales, Kensington campus (Gate 9 on High Street)

When: Launch 5-7pm, Saturday, 19 November. Hearings 20 - 22 November.

Public hearings have already been held in Port Augusta, Melbourne, Perth, Launceston and country Victoria.

The Centre for Refugee Research, which is part of UNSW's School of Social Work, is also hosting the international refugee conference Hopes Fulfilled or Dreams Shattered? from 23-28 November

Media contacts: Alex Clark, ph 9385 3263 mob. 0405 237 553, Associate Professor Linda Briskman from RMIT in Melbourne, 0417 500 274

Date issued: 17 November 2005