FED:Mental health experts attack detention

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2011
FED:Mental health experts attack detention

CANBERRA, Aug 18 AAP - Mental health professionals have renewed their call for an end
to the indefinite detention of asylum seekers.

Psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health nurses have united to issue a fresh
condemnation of the policy - which is supported by both sides of politics - amid renewed
debate about its value.

Representatives of the immigration department's Detention Health Advisory Group (DHAG),
the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) and the Australian Psychological
Society say there is a growing body of evidence proving the harms of the policy.

The DHAG's Louise Newman said there was an epidemic of self-harm and suicidal behaviour
within Australia's detention centres.

"This is an unsustainable system and the government must urgently implement the alternatives
that exist, such as community detention," Professor Newman said in a statement.

ACMHN chief executive Kim Ryan said the mandatory and indefinite detention of asylum
seekers should be ceased in favour of less restrictive and more cost-effective alternatives.

The federal government this week reaffirmed its support for mandatory detention after
immigration department boss Andrew Metcalfe raised doubts about the policy.

The Australian Medical Association later said the policy was both physically and mentally
harmful to potential refugees.

AAP ag/bwl/de

KEYWORD: DETENTION HEALTH

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