Hundreds attempt self-harm in detention

The ABC is reporting more than half of the 900 self-harm incidents over three years occurred in the Baxter detention centre.

Of course, Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone has played down the level of self-harm in detention centres and accused some asylum seekers of resorting to "a very unattractive type of protest" simply to draw attention to themselves.

But desperate actions like these are in most instances cries for help and proof positive of the inhumane treatment meted out to vulnerable people seeking sanctuary on our shores.