The mental health of asylum seekers in the Australian detention network came under renewed scrutiny today.
A senate inquiry heard about 30 per cent of detainees have mental health issues, with that number expected to rise in offshore detention facilities.
"We find that across the entire network we have about 30 per cent prevalence of individuals with mental health issues," Manus Island medical provider Mark Parrish, from the International Health and Medical Services, told the senate inquiry.
"We feel that this is likely to increase offshore."
The mental health of those within the detention network has been in sharp focus this week after the government confirmed reports that some women on Christmas Island have attempted self-harm.
Fairfax Media reported that the women tried to end their lives because they believed their orphaned children would be allowed to settle in Australia.
But Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the government would not capitulate to "moral blackmail" when it came to border protection.
"This is not going to be a government which has our policy driven by people who are attempting to hold us over a moral barrel - we won't be driven by that," he told the Nine Network on Wednesday.
At a forum focusing on refugee women in Sydney, Liberal senator Michaelia Cash had warm words for women accepted on humanitarian grounds, but declined to comment on women currently in detention.
"They are women who have suffered from security threats, sexual and gender based violence, intimidation, torture and exploitation," she said.
Government tight-lipped on safety of 153 asylum seekers
During the Inquiry, the military commander of the government's border protection operation, Angus Campbell remained tight-lipped about the safety or circumstances of the 153 asylum seekers intercepted by the Australian Navy.
Earlier this week, the High Court temporarily barred the return of 153 asylum seekers to Sri Lanka. But their fate remains unclear, so do their current whereabouts.
“That is a matter under consideration by the high court it wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment further,” Mr Campbell said.
What Mr Campbell did reveal was that the controversial turn-back policy was deterring asylum seekers from making the dangerous journey from Indonesia.
“No ventures have departed Indonesia since early May 2014. There have been no known deaths at sea since the 9th of December since 2013,” he said.
Former refugee "Tenneh" told SBS he hoped the government was listening to their concerns over the needs of women who have been forced to flee their homes.
“I think the Australian government should end the detention of women and children. If someone comes to your country looking for asylum, they are not criminals. They are looking for safe haven," he said.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 or Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.
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