Slavery claims untrue

Letter to the Editor - The Age
19 September 2003

Dear Sir/Madam

Juliet Flesch's (Where slavery still thrives, 17 September) claims of slavery conditions in detention centres are simply not true.

Detainees in all Australian detention facilities are given the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities such as gardening, food preparation or cleaning. These are voluntary activities that assist in the day to day running of the centres and no detainee is compelled to engage in these tasks at any time.

When a detainee takes part in activities, they accumulate points. These points can be used for a wide range of items, from phonecards to cigarettes and other luxuries. The detainee chooses if, when and how these points are used.

In terms of the debt paid for accommodation by detainees, Ms Flesch should be aware that any debt to the Commonwealth is not pursued for those found to be refugees, but is also recoverable from other unlawful non-citizens, such as people who have overstayed or breached visa conditions.

Jenny Hoskin
Deputy Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA