2/12/08; http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24737462-5013404,00.html; (2 Items)
Asylum-Seekers could be released from immigration detention before authorities have established their identities, under a proposal put forward by federal politicians. MPs and senators from both sides of politics have endorsed a report that says authorities should consider releasing unauthorised arrivals if they have been in detention for more than 90 days, even if it’s not known who they are. The Joint Standing Committee on Migration report says such people should be considered for a bridging visa unless they pose a risk. “In the past, failure to establish identity has resulted in prolonged periods of detention and uncertainty, and this has adversely impacted on the mental health of clients, in particular those seeking asylum in Australia,” the report says. Immigration Minister Chris Evans yesterday maintained a commitment to ensuring that identity checks were completed before detainees were released.
Year in detention ‘excessive’; Yuko Narushima; 2/12/08; http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/year-in-detention-excessive/2008/12/01/1227979933051.html
Call for end to billing of detainees
Sarah Smiles; 2/12/08
Immigration detainees should no longer be billed $125 a night and their maximum stay should be 12 months. These are the recommendations of a parliamentary committee, which also said detainees facing deportation should be given counselling and seven days’ warning to prevent traumatic forced removals. The committee noted a case in which a detainee slashed himself with a razor to avoid deportation and officials “sprayed him with coagulant rather than treat him, so that they could take him”.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/national/call-for-end-to-billing-of-detainees-20081201-6ov3.html
Govt report recommends 12-month immigration detention limit; Emma Rodgers; 2/11/08; http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/01/2434833.htm?section=justin
Tags: Australia, Financial Costs, Human Rights, Migrants & Refugees