23 October 2002
©The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
http://www.ranzcp.org/statements/mr/stigmatising.htm
Revised: 3 October 2002
 

Mental health care in detention a contradiction in terms: psychiatrists

Psychiatrists reacted strongly today to comments made by the Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock in relation to access by detainees to mental health and other services, including his assertion that: “detainees are in many respects better served by professionals than people in the Australian community” (ABC Radio, Wed 23 October, 9:11am).

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists – the peak body representing psychiatrists in Australasia – described the Minister’s comments as “misleading“ and reiterated its call for an immediate review of the physical and mental health of detainees and the services available to them.

“The policy of mandatory detention in Australia contributes directly to the ongoing traumatisation of detainees,” College spokesperson Dr Louise Newman said.

“There is clear evidence that detention is toxic for people and that mental health services cannot be delivered in these environments,” she said.

"The emotional and psychological damage being done to people in detention will leave them with long-term scars which will be difficult and costly to treat.”

The College concurs fully with the observations made by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski, in his Report on Visits to Immigration Detention Facilities released today and particularly his comment that ‘the mental health of asylum seekers is an issue of critical importance’.

“Psychiatrists who have visited detention centres have observed very high rates of mental health problems among the detainees,” Dr Newman said.

"Child psychiatrists are particularly concerned about the long-term mental health needs of families exposed to trauma. Children and primary carers should be released into the community immediately so they can receive urgent mental health treatment."

The College reiterates its call for the immediate release of children and adults who pose no immediate security risk to Australia and a limit of three months detention for people who require a security evaluation.

Comment

Dr Louise Newman - 0418 453 447
Chair, Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

©The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
http://www.ranzcp.org/statements/mr/stigmatising.htm
Revised: 3 October 2002