Key facts
- A Chinese citizen died by suicide in a Melbourne immigration detention center.
- Internal documents show the detainee had a history of self-harm and expressed suicidal ideation.
- The private prison company running the facility was reportedly warned of the detainee's mental state shortly before her death.
- China's embassy has lodged formal representations with Australia, expressing 'grave concern' over the circumstances.
- The death has intensified scrutiny on the performance of the government's immigration contractor, Secure Journeys.
A Chinese citizen died by suicide in a Melbourne immigration detention center less than 24 hours after being transferred, despite internal documents indicating she had a history of self-harm and expressed suicidal ideation. The US-based company managing the facility, Secure Journeys, a subsidiary of Management and Training Corporation (MTC), was reportedly warned of the detainee's mental state.
The death has prompted a strong reaction from China, with its embassy lodging formal representations and expressing "grave concern" to the Australian side. The embassy stated that China will "closely follow the case and safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens."
This incident adds to existing concerns about the performance of Secure Journeys, which was awarded a $2.3 billion contract for Australia's onshore immigration detention. Previous reports have highlighted security lapses, including escapes and staff injuries, attributed to MTC's "minimalist staffing model." The federal work safety regulator, Comcare, has launched a dedicated inspection program for immigration detention due to an increase in serious incidents, including self-harm ideations and detainee deaths.
Victoria police are investigating the death, which they have described as non-suspicious. The coroner's court has directed police to prepare a brief of evidence. Experts described China's statement as "firm but not excessive," noting that while diplomatic tensions between Australia and China have increased recently, this intervention should not necessarily be interpreted as a broader diplomatic retaliation.