The ABF can confirm that a number of detainees are now refusing food as part of a peaceful protest at a number of immigration detention centres.
Those individuals involved are being closely monitored and will continue to receive medical and mental health care as required.
The ABF continues to work with key organisers of protest activity to discuss their concerns, but as publicly stated previously we strongly refute claims that conditions in immigration detention facilities are inhumane or brutal.
Our priority remains the safety and security of our centres for detainees, staff, visitors and the community.
Immigration detention is used as a last resort and, where possible, unlawful non-citizens are accommodated in the community or in less restrictive alternative places of detention.
Individuals whose visas have expired or been cancelled, and who have exhausted all options to stay in Australia, are encouraged to leave Australia. There is no requirement for them to remain in detention in Australia.
