Fed: Hill says Four Corner allegations are untrue and unfair
CANBERRA, April 16 AAP - Allegations of brutality by Australian troops raised on theABC's Four Corners program were untrue and unfair, Defence Minister Robert Hill said today.
The program last night aired claims authorities used electric prods, capsicum sprayand water hoses to control asylum seekers.
It also said authorities denied hospital treatment to a woman bleeding after childbirthand refused to help more than 100 immigrants suffering diarrhoea or dehydration.
Senator Hill denied the allegations, saying the Royal Australian Navy did a great jobprotecting the nation's borders in difficult and stressful circumstances.
"Defence personnel engaged in intercepting suspected illegal entry vessels (SIEVs)do a great job and the Australian people are grateful for their work," he said in a statement.
"Defence personnel have taken every measure to ensure the safety and well being ofpotential illegal immigrants."
Senator Hill said Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were instructed to use onlyminimum force to control asylum seekers.
"No electric batons or tasers were used," he said.
"Such equipment is not even issued to ADF personnel."
Senator Hill said members of the Transit Security Element were equipped with firstaid kits, life jackets and personal protective gear, including capsicum spray, which wasrarely used.
He said medical assistance was provided to potential illegal immigrants in all casesby navy doctors, who were able to obtain the authority to evacuate medical emergenciesif warranted.
"Medical decisions rest solely with the medical staff," Senator Hill said.
"Several potential illegal immigrants were treated on board ship by navy medical stafftaking specialist medical advice from Australia."
Four Corners also claimed three men went missing after their boat was sent back toIndonesia by Australian forces.
"Highly experienced naval engineers and seamen assessed the seaworthiness of SIEVsbefore any decision was taken with regard to escorting them back out of Australian territorialwaters," Senator Hill said.
"The men and women who are carrying out these maritime border patrols have done sowith the highest standards of dedication and professionalism."
He said the government was determined to protect Australia's borders.
AAP sm/daw/las/bwl
KEYWORD: BOAT HILL
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