Members of the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Lawyers for Human Rights are helping 12 Afghan Hazaras detained at Pontville.

Tasmanian convener Madeleine Ogilvie said it would be unfair to move them again.

``They're here now. We have an obligation to them,'' Ms Ogilvie said.

She said many of the 370 men detained at the Pontville centre had already been moved several times, making it difficult for them to seek help and keep track of their applications, appeals and important papers.

She said everyone in Australia had a right to access the justice system.

``I don't think it's a question of citizenship, it's a question of basic human rights.''

Ms Ogilvie was hopeful the federal government, which spent $15 million refurbishing the old army barracks, could be convinced to keep the detention centre open.

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has repeatedly said it would only be open six months while two permanent detention centres on the mainland were completed.

Australian Greens leader Bob Brown and Unions Tasmania have also added their support to the campaign to keep the centre open for as long as it is needed.

Senator Brown said it would be a waste of money to shut Pontville.

Unions Tasmania secretary Kevin Harkins said it was ``just commonsense from both a respect for human life and financial point of view that the centre continue''.