'Detainees languish alone, forgotten'

28 November 2002

Dear Sir or Madam:

In a recent article titled 'Detainees languish alone, forgotten' published by your newspaper the author gives several anecdotal examples of her experience with detainees which require clarification.

Far from being forgotten, detainees at Baxter IDF are provided with a range of professional medical, psychological and social welfare services that include the provision of a doctor, psychiatrist/counsellor, nurse, dental technician, optometrist, referral/specialist, and carer.

Consultations also occur with specialist medical practitioners drawn from the community.

In addition to the medical services available Baxter detainees also have access to electronic leisure goods that include TVs, VCRs, Playstations and board games.

The detainees also have access to sporting facilities that include soccer balls, cricket sets, volleyballs, table tennis, gym equipment, badminton, pool tables, basketball, and an open area for touch football and rugby.

The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs at all times takes the upmost care to ensure that the physical and psychological wellbeing of detainees is maintained, and that appropriate and expedient medical treatment is provided.

Stewart Foster
Director
Public Affairs