Stabbings, overdoses and fires plague Australian immigration detention centres
Six detainees stabbed, overdoses reported, and eight fires at detention centres run by US prison firm MTC since late 2024.
Li Cunxin, the renowned ballet dancer whose 2003 memoir became an international bestseller, has released his second book, The Lucky Son. The book picks up where Mao's Last Dancer ended: with Cunxin and his wife Mary moving to Houston Ballet.
Between the two books, Cunxin led Queensland Ballet as artistic director. He oversaw major improvements and built the Thomas Dixon Centre, a world-class new home for the company.
The memoir reflects on family sacrifice. Mary left her dance career when their daughter Sophie was born deaf.
Cunxin later worked as a stockbroker after failing to lead Australian Ballet. Sophie later told her parents they had not learned sign language or fully embraced her deaf identity.
- $2.3 billion
- Detention contract value
- 6
- Detainees hospitalised in August
- 8
- Fires at Villawood
- Secure Journeys
- Local MTC subsidiary
Why it mattersOngoing safety breaches expose staff and detainees to serious harm; the government faces potential legal consequences for failing to meet work health and safety obligations.
AustraliaAustralian taxpayers fund the $2.3 billion contract; detention centre staff and detainees face daily risks, and the government may face legal action over workplace safety.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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