4 Mar 2013

Asylum seekers disappointed by Australia MP's visit to Manus

2:07 pm on 4 March 2013

A refugee activist says asylum seekers in detention on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island have been left disappointed by the visit of an Australian opposition MP.

The MP Scott Morrison was on Manus at the weekend to check out facilities in the camp established by Australia for offshore processing of boat people.

Ian Rintoul of the Refugee Action Coalition says asylum seekers have reported the MP and Coalition Immigration spokesman refused to discuss with them the processing of their claims, saying it was a matter for the PNG government.

Mr Rintoul says the asylum seekers were also disappointed because they did not see the MP inspecting toilets which are in a shocking state due to water shortages.

He says the asylum seekers also told Mr Morrison about the lack of electricity and air-conditioning, proper medical facilities, and the problems for the six pregnant women in the camp.