The Guardian 31 January, 2007
Prison for 800 built on Christmas Island
When last week John Howard announced in a cabinet reshuffle that the then Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews is to be Immigration Minister, the WA rights group Project SafeCom had some incisive questions for him. "What’s this massive design for children’s playgrounds, playschool and pre-school classrooms, nappy changing facilities and nanny classrooms on Christmas Island all about?"
Leaked architect drawings show that the new facility on Christmas Island will allow for the imprisonment of 800 people, including children as the plans indicate. The prison will have microwave-driven lock-downs and cameras in every nook and cranny of every compound.
"Are you supporting the jailing of children and women in detention centres as fiercely marketed by the Prime Minister, Mr Andrews?" asked Project SafeCom spokesman Jack Smit, who also pointed out that MPs Petro Georgiou, Judi Moylan and other members of the Coalition oppose the incarceration of asylum seekers.
"Will you be the yes-John-Howard man who will also, as the Prime Minister does, falsely label unannounced asylum seekers arriving on our shores as ‘illegals’? Will you defend the indefensible in promoting and advertising the plans for this despicable children’s Alcatraz in our country?"
The refugee jail will be completed in about two months. "Will you defer the opening of this centre and keep as silent about this centre as you can possibly be until after this year’s federal election because this monstrosity constitutes an electoral liability for Mr Howard?" asked Jack Smit.
For more information — Jack Smit, Project SafeCom, 08 9336 6048or 0417 090 130