West Papuans should be released

19 January 2006

The arrival of 43 West Papuans seeking asylum in Australia is a test for the Australian Government to live up to the claims of a cultural change for the Department of Immigration, A Just Australia, the national refugee policy reform group, said today.

This arrival of is different to other boat arrivals, in that they have come directly to Australia to seek asylum without crossing any other borders.

"This time there is no loophole for the government to claim justifies detention, and they can't be accused of jumping a non-existent queue. Australia is the valid destination for these people to flee to from persecution. As such, they should be assessed for health and security and released into the community while their refugee status is processed." said Kate Gauthier, National Coordinator.

A Just Australia also noted that the Department of Immigration has been developing a new system of visa processing.

"The new head of the department, Andrew Metcalfe, recently announced a trial program of a case-management approach to new asylum claims. Well here is their chance to prove they are prepared to take on board the recommendations of the Solon and Rau investigations. Any other response shows it is simply business as usual for the Department."


Media Comment
Kate Gauthier
0414 876 139