Ombudsman reports on Immigration
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today acknowledged the continuing contributions of the Commonwealth Ombudsman to the process of change and reform at his department.
Senator Evans’ comments followed the release of the Ombudsman’s report into Notifications of Decisions and Review Rights for Unsuccessful Visa Applications.
'My department acknowledges that, in the past, correspondence has been unclear and confusing for clients,' Senator Evans said.
'Working with them will assist them to understand their obligations and to make informed decisions.
'I will continue to drive cultural change in the department to ensure that the problems identified by the Ombudsman do not re-emerge.
'I am insisting that, as a matter of urgency, the 247 cases of people held in immigration detention referred to by the Ombudsman are settled.
'The department has apologised fully for those mistakes, and my government intends to make appropriate reparations to those adversely affected.
'We need to resolve these cases so that we can move forward,' the minister added.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2007/ce07005.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST