Detention Photograph Forward Roll turns into Backflip
Media Release
Friday 27 May 2005
Vanstone's Detention Photograph Forward Roll turns into Backflip by Immigration Department
In what could only be described as 'policy gymnastics' the Immigration Minister's recent aouthorisation for parents to
take photographs of children in detention was yesterday revoked by the Immigration Deparment.
The Immigration Minister had said under question in the Parliamnet on Wednesday, relating to a baby, Michael Andrew
Tran, born under guard in detention this week, "If there is any instruction that a couple couldn't take photographs of
their newborn, that instruction will withdrawn...' Senator Vanstone ordered her department to drop any ban on photo's
saying it was rediculous and insane.
Refugee Advocate Mrs Kaye Bernard said, "I was called yesterday, by senior GSL (Global Solutions Limited) management and
told that, 'from now on only DIMIA officers with DIMIA photographic equipment will be allowed to take photo's of kids in
detention'. I was shocked. The Officer told me that if there was a problem for the parents of Michael, 'call DIMIA in
Canberra'."
"I have given Baby Michael's dad a camera and GSL are keeping it because DIMIA have instructed that despite what the
Minister said in Parliament, only DIMIA will take photo's of their child from now on, " said Mrs Bernard