4 August 2008
New policies for asylum seekers
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Immigration Minister Chris Evans says one of the challenges for the Rudd government is to introduce a new set of values to immigration detention. So far, the minister has abolished temporary protection visas and is closing the offshore detention centres. Asylum seekers who meet initial safety checks will be allowed to live in the community while their applications are assessed. The Opposition says the changes pose a risk to border security and is threatening not to support them in parliament.
While the government's initiatives are a clear departure from previous Labor and Liberal party policies, do they reflect a shift in broader community attitudes? And what will the changes mean for asylum seekers? How will they be supported in the community and how will they be monitored?
Guests
Philip Ruddock
Former Immigration Minister
David Manne
Co-ordinator Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre
Tamara Domicelj
Director Asylum Seekers Centre, New South Wales
Dennis Shanahan
Political editor, the Australian
Further Information
Speech by Senator Chris Evans on recent changes
Department of Immigration and Citizenship - Seeking Protection
Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre
Opposition Comment - New detention policy
Publications
Title: Human Rights Overboard: Seeking asylum in Australia
Publisher: Scribe
URL: http://www.scribepublications.com.au/book/humanrightsoverboard
Linda Briskman, Chris Goddard, Susie Latham
Presenter
Paul Barclay
Story Researcher and Producer
Debra McCoy
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