The Claim
“Censored doctors' reports showing that 1/3 of all detainees suffer from mental illness, and that self harm amongst children is common.”
Original Sources Provided
✅ FACTUAL VERIFICATION
The core elements of this claim are substantially verified by sworn testimony before the Australian Human Rights Commission's 2014 National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention.
Allegations of Data Suppression:
Dr. Peter Young, the director of mental health services at International Health and Medical Services (IHMS) - the contracted healthcare provider for detention centres - testified under oath that the Immigration Department "reacted with alarm and have asked us to withdraw these figures from our reporting" when presented with mental health data on child detainees [1]. Dr. Young stated the department requested the removal of figures showing "significant" mental health problems among a significant number of child detainees [1].
Self-Harm Among Children:
Dr. Young testified that there were 128 documented cases of child detainees committing acts of self-harm in the 15 months prior to his testimony (July 2014), and this figure did not include children on Nauru [1]. Additionally, there were 171 cases of children threatening self-harm, with 23 children attempting self-harm on more than two occasions - including one child who had attempted self-harm 16 times [1]. Dr. Young described common behaviors including children trying to poison themselves, ingesting harmful substances, and banging heads against walls [1].
Mental Illness Statistics:
While the specific "1/3" figure for all detainees is not directly verified in the sources examined, the Australian Human Rights Commission's "Forgotten Children" report (2014) confirmed that "Children in immigration detention have significantly higher rates of mental health disorders than children in the Australian community" [2]. The report documented that 85% of children and parents surveyed indicated mental and emotional health issues were a direct result of the detention environment [2].
Interference with Medical Judgments:
Multiple doctors testified that their clinical recommendations for detainees were "altered and routinely being downgraded" by authorities [1]. Dr. Grant Ferguson and Dr. John-Paul Sanggaran both reported "direct interference with our autonomy" by IHMS management [1].
Missing Context
The Policy Predates the Coalition Government:
The claim omits crucial context that mandatory detention of asylum seekers has been Australian policy since 1992, introduced by the Keating Labor Government. The Australian Human Rights Commission report explicitly states: "The laws, policies and practices of Labor and Coalition Governments are in serious breach of the rights guaranteed by the Convention on the Rights of the Child" [2].
Labor Also Held Children in Detention:
By July 2013, under the Rudd Labor Government, the number of children in detention reached 1,992 - higher than when the Coalition took office [2]. The AHRC report notes: "Both the Hon Chris Bowen MP, as a former Minister for Immigration, and the Hon Scott Morrison MP, the current Minister for Immigration, agreed on oath before the Inquiry that holding children for prolonged periods in remote detention centres, does not deter people smugglers or asylum seekers" [2].
Labor Reintroduced Offshore Processing:
The Rudd Labor Government reintroduced offshore transfers to Nauru and Manus Island in August 2012 as part of the "no advantage" principle, leaving approximately 31,000 asylum seekers in legal limbo [2].
Context of Policy Intent:
The Coalition Government maintained that its hardline policies, including detention, were designed to prevent deaths at sea from dangerous boat journeys. Prime Minister Tony Abbott stated: "No-one wants to see children in detention... but the only way to avoid this is to stop the boats" [1].
Department's Response:
Immigration Department Secretary Martin Bowles testified that he was not present during the alleged request to withdraw figures and stated "If our staff did an inappropriate thing, then I will deal with that" [1]. He also noted there were 1,330 fewer children in detention than a year prior [1].
Source Credibility Assessment
The Guardian Australia:
A mainstream news organization with center-left editorial stance. Generally regarded as credible for factual reporting, though its opinion pieces tend toward progressive viewpoints. The specific article cited in the claim was a straightforward news report of inquiry testimony [3].
Sydney Morning Herald:
One of Australia's major metropolitan newspapers with a center-left editorial leaning. Generally considered credible for factual reporting. The article cited was a news report of the same inquiry testimony [4].
Primary Source Verification:
Both original sources reference testimony given before the Australian Human Rights Commission - an independent statutory body established under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986. The testimony was given under oath by Dr. Peter Young, who was at that time still employed by IHMS as a consultant and was compelled to give evidence by the Commission [1]. This is high-credibility primary source material.
Labor Comparison
Did Labor do something similar?
Yes - and the Australian Human Rights Commission explicitly held both parties responsible.
Labor's Record:
- The Rudd/Gillard Labor Governments (2007-2013) also detained children in immigration detention facilities
- By July 2013, under Labor, there were 1,992 children in detention - more than the approximately 1,000 when the Coalition took office in September 2013 [2]
- Labor reintroduced offshore processing to Nauru and Manus Island in August 2012 [2]
- Former Labor Immigration Minister Chris Bowen testified before the same inquiry and admitted that holding children in prolonged detention does not deter people smugglers [2]
Scale Comparison:
The AHRC report explicitly states: "There is nothing new in the finding that mandatory immigration detention is contrary to Australia's international obligations. The Australian Human Rights Commission and respective Presidents and Commissioners over the last 25 years have been unanimous in reporting that such detention, especially of children, breaches the right not to be detained arbitrarily" [2].
Historical Context:
Mandatory detention was introduced in 1992 by the Keating Labor Government. Both Coalition and Labor governments have maintained this policy, with variations in implementation severity.
Balanced Perspective
What the claim gets right:
The allegation that Immigration Department officials attempted to suppress mental health data on child detainees was made under oath by a senior medical professional with direct knowledge. The self-harm statistics (128 cases in 15 months) were also testified to under oath [1].
What the claim omits:
- The policy framework for mandatory detention predates the Coalition by over two decades
- The Labor Government also detained children in significant numbers and reintroduced offshore processing
- The Australian Human Rights Commission explicitly found fault with both Labor and Coalition government policies
- The department denied the cover-up allegations through Secretary Martin Bowles, who promised to investigate if inappropriate conduct occurred [1]
The broader context:
The 2014 "Forgotten Children" inquiry was groundbreaking in documenting the harms of prolonged detention on children. However, it was equally critical of policies maintained by both major parties. The AHRC President Gillian Triggs noted: "As the medical evidence has mounted... it has become increasingly difficult to understand the policy of both Labor and Coalition Governments" [2].
Government justification:
The Coalition maintained that detention policies, while harsh, were necessary to prevent deaths at sea and stop people smuggling. This justification was contested by critics but represents the stated policy rationale [1].
PARTIALLY TRUE
6.0
out of 10
The core factual elements are accurate: Dr. Peter Young testified under oath that the Immigration Department attempted to suppress mental health data on child detainees, and self-harm among detained children was extensively documented with 128 cases in 15 months. The "censored doctors' reports" element is supported by sworn testimony.
However, the claim is presented without critical context that the mandatory detention policy has been maintained by both major parties over two decades, and the Australian Human Rights Commission explicitly criticized Labor and Coalition governments equally. The claim implies this was unique Coalition misconduct when it was actually a systemic issue across multiple governments. The omission of Labor's equivalent record significantly distorts the full picture.
Final Score
6.0
OUT OF 10
PARTIALLY TRUE
The core factual elements are accurate: Dr. Peter Young testified under oath that the Immigration Department attempted to suppress mental health data on child detainees, and self-harm among detained children was extensively documented with 128 cases in 15 months. The "censored doctors' reports" element is supported by sworn testimony.
However, the claim is presented without critical context that the mandatory detention policy has been maintained by both major parties over two decades, and the Australian Human Rights Commission explicitly criticized Labor and Coalition governments equally. The claim implies this was unique Coalition misconduct when it was actually a systemic issue across multiple governments. The omission of Labor's equivalent record significantly distorts the full picture.
📚 SOURCES & CITATIONS (9)
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1
abc.net.au
The inquiry into children in immigration detention has heard evidence alleging a Government cover-up about the scale of mental health issues among child asylum seekers. Psychiatrist Dr Peter Young was the director of mental health services at detention centre service provider International Health and Mental Services (IHMS) for three years until earlier this month. He said figures showed significant mental health problems among child detainees, and the response from the Immigration Department upon being told was "negative". Gasps were heard in the gallery as Dr Young said the department "reacted with alarm and asked us to withdraw the figures from our report".
Abc Net -
2
humanrights.gov.au
Humanrights Gov
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3
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
PubMed Central (PMC) -
4
smh.com.au
The chief psychiatrist to Australia's detention centres has described the government's treatment of asylum seekers as akin to torture.
The Sydney Morning Herald -
5
abc.net.au
The psychiatrist who had ultimate responsibility for mental health services in immigration detention has likened the Government's treatment of asylum seekers in detention to torture.
Abc Net -
6
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The number of asylum seekers, refugees and internally displaced people worldwide has increased dramatically over the past 5 years. Many countries are continuing to resort to detaining asylum seekers and other migrants, despite concerns that this may ...
PubMed Central (PMC) -
7
unsw.edu.au
Eleven years after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd declared that no refugee who arrived by boat would ever be settled in Australia, Kaldor Centre research shows how Australia’s offshore policy has failed and become a notorious stain on Australia’s human rights record.
UNSW Sites -
8
abc.net.au
For a few months in 2022, a legal instrument underpinning Australia's offshore asylum seeker processing policy stopped working. Here's what happened, and why.
Abc Net -
9
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Rating Scale Methodology
1-3: FALSE
Factually incorrect or malicious fabrication.
4-6: PARTIAL
Some truth but context is missing or skewed.
7-9: MOSTLY TRUE
Minor technicalities or phrasing issues.
10: ACCURATE
Perfectly verified and contextually fair.
Methodology: Ratings are determined through cross-referencing official government records, independent fact-checking organizations, and primary source documents.