Australia camps quiet after riots

‘‘Investigations are now ongoing into all these incidents and security has been upgraded,’’ the official said.

As New Year’s Eve revellers enjoyed parties and fireworks displays across the country, police battled an attempted mass breakout and riot in a Sydney centre and an armed standoff with guards at another, with fires burning in both.

This followed three days of blazes and a small uprising at four other of Australia’s seven mainland centres which house all illegal arrivals and people who breach visas while their requests for asylum or to stay in the country are handled. This process can take years, sparking regular protests.

No one was seriously injured in the incidents but a number of guards and detainees were treated for smoke inhalation. The riots and suspected arson attacks — which were estimated to have caused around A$8 million ($4.5 million) worth of damage — were the latest in a string of violent acts to hit the controversial detention centres.

The disturbances again shone a spotlight on Australia’s hardline stance of detaining all illegal arrivals, including women and children, in guarded camps, a policy condemned by international human rights groups and religious leaders.

Refugee advocacy groups and politicians from all sides called for an end to the violence.

Opposition Labour spokeswoman Julia Gillard said the violence would only harden public opinion against asylum seekers.