Detainee Injured in Fall at Port Hedland
Media Release - DPS 24/2002
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs said today that a man had sustained head injuries after a fall at the Port Hedland Immigration Reception and Processing Centre.
The Department said the man climbed a tree some two hours after a delegation, which included the Opposition Spokesperson on Immigration, Julia Gillard, had left the centre.
Prior to his fall staff spoke to the man who said he had climbed the tree because he did not get to see the delegation. During this discussion he appeared to slip.
Two detention officers attempted to break the man's fall. As a result one officer sustained a broken rib.
The Department said the detainee had been taken to hospital where he was conscious and talking and was currently undergoing further tests.
Another detainee is being taken from the centre to the hospital to verify the man's condition.
Following the fall some 150 detainees smashed up an accommodation block, broke through three internal fences and threw concrete at staff. The majority of the group then dispersed of their own accord.
20 to 30 detainees are currently sitting in a group armed with a sledge hammer, iron bars and pieces of concrete.
At this stage centre staff are monitoring the group. Police are outside the centre but have not been called in.
Apart from the group of 20-30 the centre is calm and is not in lockdown.
24 April 2002
For more information contact DIMIA Public Affairs,
02 6264 2244
(AH) 0419 442 000