Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has defended Federal Police for using "bean-bag bullets" to quell a riot at the Christmas Island Detention Centre earlier this week.
AFP officers used the bullets and tear gas to deal with a protest by about 300 asylum seekers early on Monday morning.
"Bean-bag bullets" are rounds containing lead shot wrapped in fabric so as to minimise injury.
Mr Bowen says Federal Police were needed to deal with a very volatile situation and they worked in line with their "use of force" guidelines.
One detainee was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg and fences and doors were damaged during the confrontation.
Mr Bowen says he's been advised that the worst injury a bean-bag bullet can create is bruising.
However Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul says there's no doubt the detainee's broken leg was caused by a "riot bullet".
