The Immigration Department has delivered a scathing assessment of its own temporary accommodation for asylum seekers on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island, saying the living arrangements are cramped and present "key risks in terms of safety and health".
In a submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, the department states there is an urgent need to replace the regional processing centre with a permanent facility.
The temporary centre has been set up with army-style tents and portable-style buildings for accommodation, ablutions, catering and administrative purposes.
It currently houses 276 asylum seekers and can cater for a maximum of 500.
The department's submission states the centre has no reliable power supply, limited potable water and the buildings and tents have a "very short life expectancy".
It says the military-style tents are subject to "degradation from humidity and high use" and "each tent has reticulated 240v power which can be unsafe in wet conditions".
"Transferees have complained about the heat which is a contributing factor to behavioural issues," the submission states.
"In addition the site is in a low-lying swampy area subject to localised inundation which encourages mosquito breeding."
It says the centre has limited recreational facilities that are in a poor state, and points to that as a contributing factor of increased tension.
"Transferees are subject to boredom which contributes to a focus on the progress of their refugee status determination," the submission states.
"Past experience in the Australian immigration detention network indicates that limited amenity and space quickly leads to behavioural changes which in turn can lead to substantial increases in health and security costs.
"This includes an increased risk of self-harm, mental health problems, and problematic behaviour."
Even the centre's most basic function - processing the asylum seeker claims - is compromised.
"Private interview rooms at the temporary facility do not have adequate infrastructure to support processing of refugee status assessments," the submission states.
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