The Papua New Guinean MP for Manus Island says last Friday's fighting between local military and police outside the Australian detention centre is likely to happen again.
Ron Knight, a former soldier and policeman, says longstanding rivalry, fuelled by alcohol and low morale are behind the incident.
He also says the poor reputation of the operator of the asylum seeker detention centre, private security contractor G4S, have added to the problems.
Two local G4S staff have been arrested in PNG for allegedly orchestrating the country's biggest bank heist in Port Moresby earlier this month.
Mr Knight, the Vice Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry told Stefan Armbruster he is still trying to confirm if Australian Navy personnel helped break up Friday's fight.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
(Click on audio tab above to listen to this item)
And when contacted by SBS, the federal government declined to comment further on the incident.
