Palmer Report Released
The long-awaited Palmer report into Australian detention centres was released today in Canberra, and the news isn’t good. Among other things Former Federal Police commissioner Mick Palmer recommends a revision of the government’s contract with the private company that runs detention centres, and suggests detention staff should be better trained. The Government has reacted immediately, saying the immigration department is to undergo a massive internal shake-up. Peter Shergold, the head of Prime Minister John Howard’s department says the report indicates reform must come from the top and that includes appointing a new executive management team. Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition told Ela Smith the Palmer Report barely scratches the surface. He says the inadequacy of mental health facilities in detention centres was well-known before the release of the report.