The Refugee Action Collective claims that the detention centre at Broadmeadows has been fortified with more fencing, despite Federal Government promises to run the facility as a hostel.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen committed to transforming the centre in June.
"When the number of unaccompanied minors at the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation (MITA) falls to about 50, I have asked the department to operate this facility as a more open, hostel-style facility for unaccompanied minors," he said at the time.
The population at the MITA currently stands at 16 and has been around 50 for more than three months.
Regular visitor and Refugee Action Collective volunteer Kristalo Hlysicos said that it is just another broken promise.
"Certainly it is absolutely true to say that fencing has gone up," she said.
"When we were going into the centre some three or four months ago, the boys could see outside somewhat."
An Immigration Department spokesperson said in a statement that the additional fencing is temporary in nature and relates to the construction of a gymnasium and visitors area which should be finished at the end of February 2012.
The department also said that the adequacy of the permanent fencing is being investigated but no work has been commissioned.
"The department does not discuss specific details of upgrades for operational reasons," the statement said.
Ms Hlysicos claims that the numbers at MITA dropped dramatically two-and-a half weeks ago when the majority of unaccompanied minors were put into community detention.
"I don't understand why you would put up fencing to lock anyone inside any further and to shut them off from the outside world," she said.
The Immigration Department maintains that the government is still committed to changing the style of accommodation at MITA and is working to determine which refugees would be suitable. (abc.net.au)
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