Misinformation Perpetuated on Woomera Incident
Media Release - DPS 49/2002
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs confirmed today that descriptions of an incident provided to the media of a disturbance at the Woomera immigration detention facility on 26 July 2002, were wildly inaccurate.
The disturbance, in one of the accommodation compounds, involved approximately 20 to 30 detainees, who objected to officers conducting a routine search of detainee accommodation.
The search uncovered a number of home made weapons including sling shots, lengths of metal bars and a large quantity home made alcohol.
At the time of the incident school-age children were attending program activities, in the education and programs area, which is in a separate compound. They were therefore not involved in the incident in the accommodation compound.
However, in a separate incident, in the education and programs area, a number of the school-age children were involved in throwing rocks at detention staff. This action was resolved following a discussion between the children and detention staff.
The children did not return to their accommodation compound until the situation there became calm.
As a result of the disturbance two adult detainees required medical assistance and were taken to the medical centre - one detainee fell over a broom handle he was brandishing and cut his chin and required sutures, the other detainee complained of leg pain but required no treatment.
Another detainee who threatened officers with a length of sharpened wire was taken to Woomera Watch house by AFP officers. He appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court today (31 July).
Two detention officers sustained abrasions from rocks thrown at them.
Payphones in the centre were available for use by detainees during the course of the weekend and continue to be available.
31 July 2002
Media inquiries: Public Affairs 02 6264 2244