Long-term residents forced out of apartments for asylum seekers
Long-term residents of an inner-city Brisbane apartment building have been told to move out to make way for asylum seekers.
Sources have told 7News the entire top floor of the apartment block had been housing asylum seekers for the past fortnight.
Holiday suites which offer “LCD flat screen TVs and air-conditioning” are being used as detention cells with private security keeping close watch.
A detainee was filmed being taken out of the complex on Friday morning to Brisbane Immigration Transit Accommodation Centre in Pinkenba, in the city’s east.
Long-term residents were sent termination notices telling them because of “changes to internal policies extended stays are no longer to be offered to the public”.
“This notice hereby gives you five days’ notice to vacate the premises,” the letter reads.
Evicted resident Sheena Manikiwai said people “with handcuffs” were seen walking into the building.
“It’s totally unfair, it’s evil,” she said.
Another resident, who walks with the assistance of canes, said she had nowhere to go.
“I wonder why they’re here and why they weren’t remaining at Nauru,” she said.
“I’m pissed off.”
A hotel manager denied the accusations and that termination notices had been sent when asked by 7News.
Australian Border Force said unlawful non-citizens were being accommodated in the community where possible, but only where they are deemed not to pose a threat.
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