China protests after Chinese detainee dies by suicide despite warning in Melbourne centre

Documents obtained reveal that Secure Journeys received a warning on 9 July that a newly detained Chinese citizen, a woman in her mid-30s with no criminal record, had previously attempted self-harm and had “recently thought about self-harm/suicide.” She was transferred to the Broadmeadows residential precinct of Melbourne’s immigration detention centre and was found hanging in her room early the next morning. Victoria police have classified the death as non-suspicious and the coroner’s court has ordered a brief of evidence.

China’s embassy has lodged “solemn representations” and expressed “grave concern,” vowing to monitor the case and protect Chinese citizens’ rights. The episode intensifies scrutiny of Management and Training Corporation’s subsidiary Secure Journeys, which has been criticized for minimalist staffing, multiple safety incidents, and recent investigations by Comcare and the National Preventive Mechanism. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, already under fire for earlier security lapses, faces renewed pressure as the death marks at least the second detainee fatality this year amid 360 reported self-harm incidents nationwide.