Response to media report into allegations of abuse at Nauru Offshore Processing Centre

The Salvation Army has been wrongly blamed for allegations of abuse at the Nauru Offshore Processing Centre (OPC). The 27 August 2014 report 'More allegations of abuse on Nauru' by Josh Bavas, aired on ABC Local Radio and Radio National ‘AM' program, was misleading.

The report failed to point out that the vast majority of the allegations raised by the journalist occurred after The Salvation Army had ceased operations at the OPC, and nor were the allegations within the scope of work The Salvation Army was tasked with.

Of particular significance, and something which was pointed out to the journalist, is that most of the allegations presented by him do not relate to the time when The Salvation Army was present at the Nauru OPC.

Further, the journalist was repeatedly told by The Salvation Army, the allegations raised by him pertained to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, as well as the other service providers, which are still present within the OPC.

Allegations stating The Salvation Army “didn’t care” are wrong. The Salvation Army, at all times, had the best interests and care of asylum seekers as our greatest priority.

The Salvation Army is deeply concerned little attention has been given to the above facts and no right of reply was allowed in the report.

The Salvation Army ceased operations in both the Nauru and Manus Island Offshore Processing Centres on 21 February 2014.