[JURIST] In the latest controversy surrounding Australia's detention of illegal immigrants seeking asylum [JURIST report], the private company responsible for running the detention camps for asylum-seekers has been fined $378,286 for mistreating 5 detainees. Global Solutions Limited [official website] was fined after an investigation revealed that during a seven hour transport from Maribyrnong and Baxter Detention facilities in September 2004, five detainees were denied food, water, and bathroom breaks, and were physically abused. Australia Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone says she is outraged by the incident. [JURIST report]. Australia has recently softened its mandatory detention policy [SafeCom backgrounder] for illegal asylum seekers, especially as regards children [JURIST report]. AFP has more.