Profile of detainee population

Letter to the Editor - Whyalla News
22 January 2003

Dear Sir/Madam

Mr G.K. Butt's letter (Who are the detainees? 20 January) raises some pertinent issues regarding the profile of immigration detainees that I would like to clarify further.

Firstly it is important to emphasise that no refugees are held in detention in Australia.

Australian law requires that all unlawful non-citizens irrespective of mode of arrival be placed in immigration detention. Some unlawful non-citizens subsequently apply for asylum. Those who are found to be refugees are released from detention as soon as practicable

However, most of the detainees who remain in detention for long periods are those who have been refused refugee status and have sought to appeal their negative decisions, firstly through the tribunals and then, in some cases, up to three times in the courts.

Currently of the 1,158 detainees in mainland centres in Australia, around 85 per cent are available for removal and are free to leave Australia at any time. In many cases the only reason why removal is delayed is due to detainees refusing to cooperate - they are, in effect, intent on frustrating the removal process.

In conclusion it may be useful to note that the reason the Department does not disclose details about individuals in detention is because, like other organisations such as doctor's surgeries, insurance companies and other government agencies, we are bound by the Privacy Act.

Stewart Foster
Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA