The Northern Territory branch of the Australian Medical Association says the federal Immigration Minister's actions equate to child abuse.
It says Scott Morrison should be reported to the Department of Child Protection for his decision to keep asylum seeker children in detention.
The Territory's AMA president, Paul Bauert, says it has repeatedly raised its concerns with the government, but it believes the number of children in detention has probably grown in recent years.
Dr Bauert told Ildi Amon it's the Immigration Minister who is ultimately responsible for the welfare of these children.
(Click on audio tab above to listen to this item)