Source:
SBS
12 Apr 2006 - 12:00 AM  UPDATED 22 Aug 2013 - 12:18 PM

All of the detainees from Sydney's Villawood detention centre have now been evacuated due to asbestos fears.

They've been sent to several facilities including the Holsworthy Army Barracks and Long Bay jail, as well as detention centres in South Australia and Victoria.

The Department of Immigration says detainees haven't been exposed to potentially lethal asbestos fibres discovered in cement on a fenced and undeveloped section of the Villawood site.

But there are still concerns that New South Wales police officers could be at risk if they are forced to follow protesters into the section surrounding the centre this weekend.

Refugee advocates say they are still planning a weekend protest at the facility.