No plans to pay Centrelink benefits to illegal immigrants
Wednesday 25 June 2008
The Courier Mail today incorrectly reports that illegal immigrants will be paid the dole.
There is no proposal before Government and no consideration being given to paying Centrelink benefits to illegal immigrants.
Bridging visa holders are not currently eligible for Centrelink benefits and there is no plan to change that.
The Rudd Government is aware of concerns in the community about the difficulties faced by asylum seekers on bridging visas who are denied work rights or access to Medicare while their claims are being processed.
It is vitally important that the bridging visa regime is not open to abuse.
For people who are found not to be refugees, a bridging visa enables a person to remain lawful for the purpose of making arrangements to leave Australia or to seek review through the courts.
As part of the overall reform process, the Rudd Government is intent on providing a bridging visa framework that treats people fairly and with promptness.URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08057.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST