Fed: Rudd govt increases efforts to deal with asylum seekers

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2010
Fed: Rudd govt increases efforts to deal with asylum seekers

More than 100 asylum seekers are being shifted from Christmas Island today to two mainland
locations.

Immigration Minister CHRIS EVANS said yesterday the 60 single male detainees would
be moved to the Darwin detention centre .. and about 70 unaccompanied minors would be
moved to Port Augusta .. in South Australia immediately.

But that plan was deferred until today after the charter plane expected to transfer
them suffered mechanical difficulties.

Senator EVANS also announced yesterday the recommissioning of the detention facility
at WA's Curtin Air Base.

Senator EVANS says a couple of hundred or so people will be moved off Christmas Island
in the next week or two to ease overcrowding.

Opposition immigration spokesman SCOTT MORRISON says the new policy is another example
of failure by the federal government .. and the costs of dealing with asylum seekers is
spiralling out of control.

Meanwhile .. Refugee Council of Australia CEO PAUL POWER says the use of the Curtin
facility to house asylum seekers is completely inappropriate because of its remoteness.

AAP RTV csb/af/psm/

KEYWORD: BOAT CURTIN (PERTH)

2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.