[Greens-Media] SENATOR KERRY NETTLE: Proposed new migration laws would have seen 43rd West Papuan refugee sent to persecution

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

01.08.06

Proposed new migration laws would have seen 43rd West Papuan refugee
sent to persecution


Greens Immigration spokesperson Senator Kerry Nettle today welcome the
Refugee Review Tribunal's decision to accept David Wainggai's claim for
asylum and warned that had the new migration laws due to come before the
Senate been passed earlier then Mr Wainggai would have been returned to
face persecution in West Papua.

"Mr Wainggai should never have spent half a year in detention. Senator
Vanstone should apologise for her department's flawed and cruel approach
to his case which the Refugee Review Tribunal has found to have no legal
basis." Senator Nettle said.

"This decision should act as a warning to all Senators that the proposed
new migration laws would result in miscarriages of justice and human
tragedies because refugees like Mr Wainggai would not have access to the
Refugee Review Tribunal to review their claims.

"The Department of Immigration should now move as quickly as possible to
grant Mr Wainggai a protection visa and bring him to the mainland to be
reunited with his friends, family and supporters.

"David Wainggai always had one of the strongest cases for protection and
so for the government to attempt to reject his case on a flimsy
technicality leaves the impression of political interference in refugee
processing.

"I have just returned from visiting West Papuan refugees in Papua New
Guinea where many suffer in difficult conditions in remote refugee
camps. For Australia to attempt to reject West Papuan asylum seekers and
send then home or into these camps is simply cruel.

"The Greens will be opposing the new migration legislation and urge all
Senators to join us in defeating what is a legally, morally and
politically flawed piece of legislation."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146