Commonwealth government failures led to a deadly riot at the Manus Island detention centre, a lawyer has told the Victorian Supreme Court.
Iranian asylum seeker Reza Berati died and 77 others were injured in the three days of riots from 16 to 18 February 2014.
Former Manus Island security guard Chandra Osborne has brought Supreme Court action against the federal government and security firm G4S, alleging they were warned about increasing violence but still put her at risk.
Ms Osborne is seeking compensation for loss of earnings after she allegedly suffered serious psychiatric injuries as a result of the riots and unsafe working environment.
Counsel representing G4S Australia, Jack Rush QC, said there was no causal link between Ms Osborne's injuries and the actions of the security firm.
In his opening remarks on Tuesday, Mr Rush told the Supreme Court G4S was acting as agents of the Commonwealth and therefore should be entitled to indemnity.
Mr Rush said G4S had no control over the Manus Island infrastructure and held no powers to arrest or search detainees.
People place flowers and cards next to a portrait of Iranian asylum seeker Reza Berati during a candlelight vigil in support of asylum seekers in Melbourne on 23 February 2014. Credit: AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Emails shown to the court on Tuesday outlined G4S' requests for an additional 100 security guards at the site, warning there was increasing intelligence detainees would try to push down fences.
The emails noted detainees understood they would not be brought to Australia, but they wanted more clarity around resettlement.
Mr Rush said the Commonwealth did not communicate with the detainees, which led to the increased tensions.
"It was a complete failure of the Commonwealth to identify what was going on in the centre," Mr Rush told the court.
The Commonwealth will give its opening remarks on Tuesday afternoon.
