Angela Lavoipierre reported this story on Friday, September 4, 2015 06:10:01

MICHAEL BRISSENDEN: A young asylum seeker brought to Brisbane for treatment after her alleged rape on Nauru is yet to see a lawyer, and her family has been told almost nothing about her condition.



The 23 year old Iranian woman was transferred from Nauru to the mainland two weeks ago, amid concerns her kidneys would fail, and after she tried twice to take her own life.



Her brother claims she's being kept isolated from her family, as well as legal advice.



Angela Lavoipierre reports.



ANGELA LAVOIPIERRE: It's been just over two weeks since a 23 year old asylum seeker being held on Nauru was transferred to Australia for urgent treatment.



The Iranian woman was allegedly raped in May, while she was visiting friends on the island.



Her mental health deteriorated. She tried twice to kill herself, and refused food and water for weeks.



Her brother remains on Nauru and says since her departure, he's had almost no news about her condition.



BROTHER OF ASYLUM SEEKER: We haven't received any clear information to bring a little more calm about what's happening. We haven't had enough contact with my sister, direct contact.



ANGELA LAVOIPIERRE: The man is allowed to speak with his sister during supervised two minute phone calls, every two days.



When he last saw her, she was on the brink of kidney failure, and her life was in danger.



The man says he's been told that he doesn't have the right to know his sister's condition.



BROTHER OF ASYLUM SEEKER: They respond negative to me because they said this is not your right to asking to knowing about your sister's medical information.



ANGELA LAVOIPIERRE: Lawyer Dimi Ioannou, a principal at Maurice Blackburn, is trying to see the woman in hospital.



So far, the Department of Immigration has said she's not well enough.



Trauma specialist Dr Helen Driscoll has also been trying to negotiate access, without success.



She's sceptical about the department's reasons for turning her away.



HELEN DRISCOLL: It's ridiculous and rubbish about saying that she's not well enough to be seen by a lawyer or by a trauma specialist.



ANGELA LAVOIPIERRE: Dr Driscoll has serious concerns about the way the woman is being treated, in light of her mental health.



HELEN DRISCOLL: It's the secrecy and the isolation from family. I understand she has guards with her 24/7. Now that, it's like treating her like a criminal.



ANGELA LAVOIPIERRE: The woman's brother is worried that his sister will be returned to Nauru, and miss out on the care she needs as a result.



BROTHER OF ASYLUM SEEKER: Don't sacrifice her because of the political reason or policy. Something happened to her that she needs appropriate help.



ANGELA LAVOIPIERRE: In a written statement, lawyer Dimi Ioannou said she's seeking the department's permission to visit next week.



Maurice Blackburn wants an undertaking from the Commonwealth that it won't try to move the woman back to Nauru without notice, or before she has had the chance to see a lawyer.



The Immigration Department said it doesn't comment on detainee transfers.



MICHAEL BRISSENDEN: Angela Lavoipierre reporting.