Response to Cornall Review into events of 16 - 18 February 2014 at the Manus Regional Processing Centre

The Salvation Army acknowledges the findings of the Cornall investigation into the events of February 16-18 in the Manus Island Offshore Processing Centre and again wishes to offer its deepest condolences to the family of Mr Reza Berati.

The Cornall review has found several local employees, representing the various service providers, were responsible for the death of Mr Berati. One former Salvation Army employee, a Papua New Guinea national, is alleged to have been part of this group.

As this is now subject to a criminal investigation, conducted by the local Papua New Guinean authorities, it would be inappropriate for The Salvation Army to comment further around the circumstances that led to these events.

At the time of the alleged incident all Salvation Army personnel (both Australian and PNG) had been formally evacuated from the Centre in accordance with security protocols. The Salvation Army condemns any such behaviour and to the extent that any criminal actions as alleged are ultimately found by the PNG authorities to have occurred, they were not done with the knowledge or authority of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has cooperated fully, openly and transparently with this inquiry, as well as all other inquiries that have looked into the events of 16 – 18 February 2014 in Manus Island Offshore Processing Centre.