Debate over phones for immigration detainees
ABCRachel Mealey: A federal government move to crack down on organised crime within immigration detention by allowing the confiscation of phones is being met with alarm by immigration lawyers and former detainees. Nicole Hegarty: Behrouz Boochani says his mobile phone became a lifeline during his seven years in immigration detention on Manus Island. Nicole Hegarty: But that access could be denied for other detainees in some circumstances under a new bill Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke introduced to Parliament yesterday. Nicole Hegarty: He says existing laws could be called upon to respond to organised crime operations within detention facilities. Nicole Hegarty: Dr Donnelly says a ban could also restrict detainees' access to legal advice, cause isolation and suppress their ability to highlight issues about conditions inside.
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