Transfield Services apologises for surveillance of Greens senator

The company running the detention centre on Nauru, Transfield Services, has apologised after a security contractor conducted secret surveillance of Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

In June the Immigration Department confirmed a contractor had been disciplined over the spying incident in December 2013.

The Wilson Security supervisor was disciplined for tailing Senator Hanson-Young's car after she left Australia's immigration detention facilities on the Pacific island.

Transfield has been giving evidence about conditions on Nauru during a Senate inquiry in Canberra.

Senior executive Kate Munnings was questioned over reports Senator Hanson-Young was the subject of secret surveillance at her hotel, in her car and at other places outside the detention centre.

“It was extremely regretful and on behalf of Transfield, I apologise that this has occurred,” Munnings said.

Senator Hanson-Young questioned the length of time taken to provide an apology.

“Why wasn't I told while I was on the island?” she asked.

Munnings said the individuals involved were acting in the interests of Senator Hanson-Young's safety.

Senator Hanson-Young was also given the codename “Raven”.

“What's with the bird names?” fellow Greens senator Scott Ludlam asked.

“Project Swan, Project Cygnet, Project Duckling, is that just part of the corporate culture?”

Munnings said it was usual corporate practice to have codenames to protect the identity of projects being discussed.

“They mean very little other than to protect the privacy of the project that's being discussed,” she said.

Munnings said it was not usual to attach codenames to people.

“It was the decision of an individual who acted outside his authority and disciplinary action was taken,” she said.