MARK COLVIN: New evidence has emerged suggesting the Federal Government may be sending unaccompanied children as young as five to detention centres on Nauru. The Governments previously said it would send all asylum seekers, regardless of age, to offshore detention centres, but it wont say if it has sent children offshore yet. But it is now clear that its at least planning to, because the charity Save the Children is in the process of recruiting workers to look after them. Felicity Ogilvie reports. FELICITY OGILVIE: In a series of job ads, the charity Save the Children makes it plain that its facing a quandary over the Governments policy of sending unaccompanied children to offshore immigration detention centres: SAVE THE CHILDREN ADVERTISEMENT (Voiceover): Our experience shows that sending children to offshore or onshore immigration processing centres threatens their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. But, given that the Australian Government is sending children to Nauru and, given our mandate to the worlds most vulnerable children, we will work to ensure the best possible conditions and services for children on Nauru. FELICITY OGILVIE: Nonetheless, The charity is trying to recruit teachers, independent observers and recreational officers to work with unaccompanied minors on Nauru. Child Psychiatrist Louise Newman says its concerning. LOUISE NEWMAN: They are in an extremely difficult position in trying to provide recreational or support services or educational services in an environment where we are not even clear who is taking responsibility for the welfare of children, what medical, health or other services might be available, the conditions in which children will be held. FELICITY OGILVIE: Curiously, the job ads have changed in recent days. Yesterday, the job website listed an ad for an officer to provide an educational recreational program for children aged five to 12 years. Today, that description has been changed. There is no longer an age range mentioned. Save the Children wont say why they changed the advertisement. (Cont. in link)
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 09:02:35 +0000