Minister to review long-term detention cases
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, will review the cases of 61 people who have been in immigration detention for more than two years.
‘I am deeply concerned that so many detention cases have taken so long to resolve,’ Senator Evans said.
‘Over the coming weeks, I will personally examine the cases of each of these 61 long-term detainees to determine how we can best resolve their situations.
‘I also intend to consult with the Commonwealth Ombudsman on how to proceed with each of these cases and anticipate completing this process by the end of April.’
Senator Evans made the commitment in response to the latest Commonwealth Ombudsman's assessment of people in immigration detention for more than two years.
Of the 19 cases assessed by the Ombudsman in this report, six have since been released while 13 individuals still remain in immigration detention.
There are an additional 48 people currently in immigration detention who have been detained for longer than two years.
‘The Howard Government paid little attention to the Ombudsman's reports and recommendations,’ Senator Evans said.
‘We need to take a more pro-active approach to the prompt resolution of these cases.
‘The Labor Government will retain the system of mandatory detention along with tough anti-people smuggling measures to ensure the orderly processing of migration to our country.
‘People who have no right to be in Australia should be removed quickly. Long-term detainees who pose no risk to the community should be considered for other forms of management by the department.
‘Where possible we must develop pathways for detainees rather than just leave them in detention indefinitely.
‘Keeping people in immigration detention for long periods imposes high costs on Australian taxpayers and the individuals themselves.
‘The Rudd Government will return integrity to the immigration system and ensure that immigration status is resolved efficiently.
‘Long-term detention should not be the default outcome for difficult cases.’
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08023.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST