[Greens-Media] Andrews goes back to Tampa with Sri Lankan refugee decision

[Bolwell, Kristian (Sen K. Nettle)]

Andrews goes back to Tampa with Sri Lankan refugee decision

12.09.07

The Immigration Department's decision to grant asylum to 72 out of 83
refugees but refuse them settlement in Australia is a disgrace equal to
the Tampa affair, the Greens spokesperson for Immigration Senator Kerry
Nettle said today. 

"This decision to grant refugee status to these people but refuse them
settlement on the Australian mainland is Tampa without the ship",
Senator Nettle said. 

"Either Australia accepts its international obligations or it doesn't.
Asylum seekers must be able to live here if they are found to be
refugees. 

"The Government's 'Pacific Solution' is an international embarrassment
that must be relegated to the dustbin of history along with the Howard
Government.  

"What part of the word "refugee" doesn't Minister Andrews understand?

"The Howard Government should not leave these refugees in limbo like it
has with so many refugees before.

"Kevin Andrews must begin to take Australia's international obligations
seriously by quitting his election driven agenda," Senator Nettle said. 

More information: Kristian Bolwell 0411638320