Fed: Detention policy tough but fair: Downer

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2006
Fed: Detention policy tough but fair: Downer

The Foreign Minister has defended tough new asylum laws .. saying the government has
to stop people exploiting Australia's generosity.

Immigration Minister AMANDA VANSTONE has announced a new hardline policy that will
see asylum seekers who come direct to Australia .. sent offshore for processing.

Even if they're found to be refugees .. they'll be kept offshore until they can be
sent to another country.

ALEXANDER DOWNER says Australia doesn't want to be seen in the same light as some European
countries that are exploited for their generosity.

And he says Australia won't be cruel to asylum seekers.







Cabinet's national security committee's agreed to the plan .. following weeks of high
tension between Australia and Indonesia .. over 42 successful Papuan claims for protection.

AAP RTV shh/mfh/jv/rt

KEYWORD: PAPUA DOWNER (CANBERRA)

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