An independent senator hopes allegations that asylum seekers on Nauru have been subjected to water-boarding don't damage Australia's bid for a spot on the United Nations' human rights council.
An unnamed Wilson Security guard made the explosive allegation in a submission to a Senate inquiry examining abuse at the centre.
"Any allegation such as water-boarding must be taken seriously," Senator Nick Xenophon told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
Labor senator Doug Cameron said people had to be treated with humanity.
"I'd be appalled if there's any truth to (the torture claims)," he said.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she had not heard about the torture claims and declined to comment, saying it was a matter for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.
Share
