Report into effect of detention on asylum seekers’ health welcomed

October 12 2011

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand today welcomed a report that exposes the long-term health care issues faced by asylum seekers in mandatory detention in Australia.

The report, Long-term health costs of extended mandatory detention of asylum seekers, shows that trauma sufferers will have lifetime mental health costs, around $25,000 per person.

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand part funded the report by the Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy as part of its ongoing program into assessing better methods of processing of asylum seekers, to improve settlement into Australia of the vast majority found to be genuine refugees.

Michael Yore of Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand  said one of the disturbing  findings was that being in detention for more than two years resulted in ten times the rate of mental health problems for those detained for less than three months.
 
 “We are gravely concerned about the long-term health and economic costs of mandatory detention and we call on the Australian Government to reconsider its policy.”

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand was established by the Good Shepherd Sisters to ensure the continuity and growth of the Good Shepherd mission in Australia and New Zealand, which began almost 150 years ago. Its priority and focus is disadvantaged and marginalized women and girls. Through its Mission and Justice Office, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand identifies and funds research, advocates for change, and resources service providers, in order to reduce economic inequality and promote social justice policies and programs.

Media inquiries:
Michael Yore – 03 9270 9700, M 0409 549 989 or Rosie Hoban – 03 9270 9739, M 0408 090 036