DIMIA Reviews SA Report
Media Release - DPS 21/2002
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) is currently reviewing recommendations made in a report received from the South Australian Department of Human Services (DHS) on 15 April 2002, which assessed the well-being and care of children at the Woomera detention facility.
A Department spokesman said DIMIA will continue to review those recommendations made by DHS in the report which are based on fact and consider the appropriate action required, taking into account the best interests of the child.
However, given the fact some of the issues raised in the report have come to the attention of the media, the Department would like to address a number of inaccuracies.
- Assertions that parents are not allowed to feed young children outside set meal times are incorrect. The dining room at the centre is open for detainees between 7.00 - 9.00am, 12.30 - 2.30pm and 6.30 - 9.00pm. In addition, fruit and biscuits are readily available, baby and toddler food is available outside of meal times upon request, every accommodation block has a fridge where food, including milk, can be stored by detainees for accessibility during the day.
- Assertions relating to ante and post natal services and immunisation are inaccurate. There are ante natal clinics every Wednesday and post natal clinics each Thursday which are conducted by a registered midwife. The current arrangement for any pregnant woman in a remote location in SA, including detainees, is that at 36 weeks they are moved to motel like accommodation in an arrangement with Whyalla or Port Augusta hospital for the rest of their confinement. There are two community midwives who monitor their condition during this time.
- All detainees are given access to immunisations as per State health policy with an immunisation clinic run every Tuesday. Children are immunised only with consent from their guardian.
- Reports of lack of proper bedding for very young toddlers are false. Some parents choose to place mattresses on the floor, however new born babies are provided with a bassinette and when they are older they are issued with a cot. Strollers are also provided.
As is the normal procedure, DIMIA will consider the report in full and respond
where appropriate. The Department will also advise DHS of inaccuracies where assertions
by detainees are made based on false information and this will then allow discussions
between the two departments to proceed based on facts.
16 April 2002
For more information contact DIMIA Public Affairs,
02 6264 2244
(AH) 0419 442 000