PNG government promises Manus alcohol crackdown

A company paid about $440 million a year to run the Manus Island detention centre is allowing drunken staff to misbehave, the Papua New Guinea government says, ordering its own officials to intervene after Australian workers allegedly sexually assaulted a local female employee.

The prime minister has ordered that the alcohol ban at the Manus centre be effectively enforced and for regular alcohol and drug tests to be undertaken.

Transfield Services subcontracts Wilson Security to maintain safety and order at both centres.

“We do not have a clear picture of what happened on the night of the alleged assault as the matter is under investigation, but what we do know is that alcohol played a part in what did transpire”, Mr O’Neill said in a statement.

Police are investigating claims that three Australian officers from the Wilson Security group raped a local woman who worked at the centre last month.

He noted that it wasn’t the first occasion they had received reports about inappropriate behaviour from the foreign officers after excessive alcohol consumption, but that it must stop.

Comment has been sought from Transfield Services, Wilson Security and the office of the immigration minister, Peter Dutton.

Staff would be subject to alcohol and drug testing for which there would be zero tolerance for any breaches. “Any staff who break the rules and are found to consume alcohol or drugs will be dismissed”, Mr O’Neill said.

Many were former military personnel who “should have the discipline not to need to drink while they are away on a posting”.

“The department expects service provider staff to act appropriately and with integrity in all their dealings”.