Australia's Immigration Minister Scott Morrison says a number of asylum seekers have been arrested after a disturbance at a Papua New Guinea detention centre
One of the first group of asylum seekers at the Manus Island centre in August 2013. Photo: AAP / Department of Immigration and Citizenship
News of the incident emerged after refugee advocacy groups reported a riot squad was mobilised when asylum seekers breached the Manus Island centre's perimeter fence on Sunday afternoon, AAP reports.
Mr Morrison said he has received reports that PNG police have arrested a number of asylum seekers and the centre is now calm, and staff are safe.
He said some have received medical treatment and damage at the centre is "minor".
The Refugee Action Coalition says the riot escalated after detainees were told they would not be resettled in Australia, but Mr Morrison dismissed those claims.
"I am advised that suggestions reportedly made by asylum advocate groups in relation to this incident that transferees had been informed they would not be settled in Papua New Guinea are false," he said in a statement on Monday.
About 1300 asylum seekers are housed on Manus Island.
The Australian government has ordered a full review.
