The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will today transfer a group of 47 detainees from Christmas Island to new alternative detention accommodation in Darwin.

The 12 people in family groups and 35 unaccompanied minors will be transferred to a recently acquired alternative place of detention in Marrara.

It provides “budget accommodation” appropriate for housing families and children. The department ensured it consulted the Northern Territory Government on this latest placement.

The decision to transfer clients was made in consultation with all relevant agencies and allows the clients to be in detention accommodation that best fits their particular needs and provides appropriate support. The people will remain in detention while their claims for refugee status are being processed.

The detention service provider will be present at all times at the detention accommodation to ensure appropriate levels of supervision and security.

The department uses commercial accommodation for people in detention where this is considered appropriate for individuals’ needs. The option to accommodate vulnerable groups such as families and unaccompanied minors in such less restrictive forms of detention is a long-standing practice introduced under successive governments.

A further two people will be transferred to existing alternative detention in Darwin. A group of 10 people in family groups will also be transferred from Christmas Island to Leonora today.

No determination has been made on their cases as yet. Their immigration processing will continue while they remain in an alternative place of detention.

Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch (02) 6264 2244