China voices 'grave concern' over Chinese citizen's suicide in Melbourne detention centre
A Chinese woman detained for allegedly overstaying a visa died by suicide in a Melbourne immigration detention centre despite authorities being warned of her risk state, prompting a formal protest from China's embassy.
The US private prison company running Australia's immigration detention system was warned that a newly detained Chinese citizen had expressed suicidal thoughts and had a history of self-harm less than 24 hours before she died by suicide in a Melbourne facility.
The woman, in her mid-30s, was detained on 9 July over an alleged breach of her English-language study visa conditions. She had no criminal record. Australian Border Force transferred her into the custody of contractor Secure Journeys, explicitly noting her prior self-harm and recent suicidal thoughts. She was found hanging in her room at the Broadmeadows precinct the following morning.
Victoria police, who are investigating, described the death as non-suspicious, though the coroner's court has directed police to prepare a brief of evidence.
The case has prompted a formal diplomatic response from China, Australia's largest trading partner. The Chinese embassy said it had lodged solemn representations and expressed grave concern to Australian authorities, adding it would closely follow the case and safeguard the rights of Chinese citizens.
Ongoing scrutiny of contractor
Secure Journeys, the local arm of US prison operator Management and Training Corporation (MTC), has faced mounting criticism over safety failures, including detainee escapes and staff injuries. Home affairs minister Tony Burke summoned MTC's global president last year over these concerns, just months after the company won a A$2.3bn detention contract.
Parliamentary records show 360 reported incidents of threatened or actual self-harm across Australia's detention network between July 2025 and March 2026, with at least two deaths this year. Workplace safety regulator Comcare has launched a dedicated inspection program, citing inadequate staffing and an ineffective risk-assessment system at the centres.
Secure Journeys offered condolences to the woman's family but declined further comment due to the ongoing investigation, as did the Department of Home Affairs.
