“Bucklies” a disgraceful reminder of Australia’s wrongs

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has reiterated the Greens’ call for an inquiry into the harmful effects of immigration detention on children, following a report of blatant disregard for a child’s mental health by former immigration minister Philip Ruddock.

Today’s Weekend Australian reports that Mr Ruddock wrote “Bucklies” on a document recommending the release from mandatory detention of then six-year-old Shayan Badraie, whose diagnosis of acute post-traumatic stress disorder is detailed on the same document.

“This flippant, scrawled comment attributed to Mr Ruddock is indicative of the contempt and neglect demonstrated towards more than 2000 innocent children under the inhumane regime of mandatory detention,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“While the Rudd Government is starting to take steps towards rolling back the mandatory detention policy, the Greens recognise that we must work to address the ongoing effects of this policy and its practices.

“We must ensure that adequate support, in whatever form, is provided for those who have been wrongly treated.”

The Greens are calling for the current inquiry into immigration detention on children to be expanded to investigate its psychological effects on children.
“We cannot simply turn the pages on this dark chapter in Australia’s history books,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“It’s important that Australia continues to be aware of the price paid by children in detention and investigate how to make amends.”

Contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760