The Australian government today defended the use of tear gas and water cannons to break up protests at detention centres for illegal immigrants.
The remote rural camps have been hit by demonstrations by illegal immigrants demanding immediate asylum in Australia.
Guards fired tear gas and used water cannon when inmates rioted and burned down two buildings last week at the Curtin detention centre in Western Australia state.
Immigration Minister Mr Philip Ruddock said today the use of tear gas was justified because guards were threatened.
"I think the demonstrations that you saw were largely managed and were managed with the normal means that you are able to use," Mr Ruddock said.
"When three officers are backed up against a fence with 200 people threatening them, you can't blame them for using tear gas in that situation to manage their own safety," he said.
In parliament last week the government moved to beef up security at the centres by giving guards the power to strip search inmates suspected of concealing weapons.
Thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly from Asia and the Middle East, are caught trying to sneak in to Australia every year. They are detained in the camps while their asylum appeals are considered.
AP