Commonwealth Ombudsman details ‘serious concerns’ over detention compounds

Refugee advocates have welcomed a report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman, which has raised concerns about conditions inside Australia's immigration detention centres.

Villawood Immigration Detention Centre is one of three facilities used to house people who have had their visas cancelled Source: SBS

The review by Ombudsman Michael Manthorpe has made several recommendations, including calling for the closure of an overcrowded high security compound at the Villawood centre in Sydney.

Refugee advocates say a report by Commonwealth Ombudsman Michael Manthorpe, about life inside Australia's onshore immigration detention centres, raises important issues which warrant immediate attention.

Since 2011, the office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman has inspected immigration detention centres and provides a summary of its findings in its annual report.

But this year the Ombudsman has decided to release a report publicly.