The Wire

This Easter saw another round of protests outside the Baxter Detention Centre near Port Augusta in South Australia. But sadly, there’s also been another bout of public disagreement between the groups that work so hard to keep the issue of mandatory detention on the public agenda. Author and activist Dr Don McMaster says he’s concerned by the effect the protests have on the detainees, because they can’t have any outside visitors during this period. Regular Baxter visitor Jenny Bourne is also concerned about the protests, and says many detainees she’s spoken with feel like they’re being used. But protester Matt Hayman says the protests are the only thing keeping refugee issues in the spotlight.