11 Aug 2011

Opponent of PNG detention centre re-opening says it's a figment of someone's imagination

7:15 pm on 11 August 2011

A strong opponent of Papua New Guinea's Manus Island asylum seeker detention centre re-opening says there's no certainty it'll happen.

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has told Australia's leader Julia Gillard he supports the re-opening of Manus Island, which Canberra used for 3 years from 2001 to house asylum seekers wanting to enter Australia.

The National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop, who's a long time human rights advocate, says the issue hasn't been discussed formally by PNG's new government.

He says he'll continue to oppose its re-establishment and expects support for his stance.

"I'm sure I will get support from within the government and they will understand my views. So it's not a foregone conclusion that a decision has been made to reopen the processing, detention centre or whatever its is in Manus. Its not a foregone conclusion.Its a figment of someone's imagination."

Mr Parkop says if necessary he'll take legal action to stop Manus Island re-opening.