Christmas Island processing and living conditions

Letter to the Editor - The Advertiser
23 December 2003

Dear Sir/Madam

Statements by the Reverend Sue Gormann about the processing and living conditions of residents at the Christmas Island Immigration Reception and Processing Centre (Homeless, destitute refugees - just like Jesus, 22/12/2003) are plainly wrong.

In fact, protection visa decisions were handed several months ago to the 53 Vietnamese who arrived illegally in Australia on July 2. The decisions were made according to normal protection visa procedures. Each application was treated on its merits and considered on a case-by-case basis. None of the applicants was found to be owed protection.

Australia's processes for dealing with asylum seekers are fair, thorough and fully consistent with our international obligations. If any applicant is found to be owed protection, they receive it. Otherwise, they are expected to leave Australia as soon as possible.

Conditions on Christmas Island are far from inhospitable. Residents are provided with medical and dental care, access to schools and language classes, air conditioned accommodation and recreation facilities. Such services are to the same standard as those for the local community.

Furthermore, the Rev. Gormann's "alternative" to detention - based on a research report on the Uniting Church's Asylum Seeker Project - is flawed in approach. The report primarily deals with asylum seekers in the community on valid visas - an entirely different group of people to unauthorised arrivals such as those on Christmas Island.

Kym Charlton
Acting Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA