Sir,

In their correspondence to this newspaper Betty Neumann and Carol Meers have presented irresponsible accusations surrounding the welfare of those refugees being held in detention across Australia.

I quote:

1. "They spent six months locked up like 'Animals'."

2. "We must not let them ‘rot' in detention."

May I mention here what an absolute insult against the character of those dedicated, educated personnel who have the unenviable responsibility of efficiently managing the complete accommodation and welfare of these refugees held in detention. May I ask how any responsible person could even consider the authorities would allow such outrageous accusations to occur.

May I invite Betty Neumann and Carol Meers to show through the pages of this newspaper any definite evidence surrounding their irresponsible accusations, and may I suggest if they are unable or unwilling to perform such a simple task it may be better for all if they refrained from making any further comments surrounding those refugees in detention, as their absurd and emotionally driven accusations are totally incorrect and completely out of order.

Douglas Keith Ryan

Canyonleigh