Another baseless claim from opposition immigration spokeswoman
The Rudd Government rejects claims made by the Opposition immigration spokeswoman, Dr Sharman Stone, that asylum seeker processing has been compromised by the arrest of a Sri Lankan man returned to Colombo this week.
Dr Stone has maligned Department of Immigration and Citizenship staff and the Australian Federal Police without any evidence or knowledge of this matter.
The Rudd Government has made its position clear. Irregular maritime arrivals are subject to mandatory detention on Christmas Island while they undergo thorough health, security and identity checks.
People who are owed Australia's protection under our international obligations will be granted that protection. All irregular maritime arrivals found not to be owed protection and with no other basis to remain in Australia will be removed.
The fact that the person was arrested and charged with a criminal offence in Sri Lanka does not engage Australia's international obligations. Whether someone has broken Sri Lankan law is a matter for the Sri Lankan courts to determine. Australia welcomes the investigation and arrest of suspected people smugglers.
For Dr Stone to suggest that the man's arrest has cast doubt on the effectiveness of Australia's rigorous security assessments is absurd.
Dr Stone has a history of making hysterical and baseless allegations. Last week she made the outrageous claim that the United Nations refugee agency is corrupt.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugee's recommendations for the resettlement of refugees are recognised and accepted internationally, including by Australia. Indeed, many thousands of refugees were resettled in Australia under the Howard Government based on the UNHCR's advice.
Australia works closely with UNHCR, both at the regional and international level, and is currently the vice chair of the executive committee of the UNHCR and one of UNHCR's major donors and resettlement countries.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2009/ce09095.htm
Last update: 09 October 2009 at 17:44 AEST