Setting the Record Straight
Letter to the Editor - Daily Liberal
20 July 2004
Dear Sir/Madam
So many errors riddle Bob Young's opinion piece (17/7/04) that it is impossible to refute all his spurious claims in the space allowed.
Without regurgitating his catalogue of falsities, there are several facts I would like to draw to readers' attention.
Mr Young claims it is a lie to describe some unauthorised arrivals as forum shoppers.
He ignores the fact that many illegal entrants have travelled through other countries where they could have sought protection on the way to Australia, but chose not to do so.
'Illegal' is also the proper term to describe their entry - it is the word used in the Refugees Convention itself.
Mr Young suggests that the new arrangements for Temporary Protection and Temporary Humanitarian visa holders are inconsistent with existing policies for temporary visa holders.
This is not the case.
These new arrangements acknowledge that some of these people have made strong contributions to regional Australia or have established strong links with Australia and should be given the opportunity to apply for visas here.
They also recognise that those who no longer need protection, or have no other lawful right to remain in Australia, should return home.
Mr Young asks when information about the arrangements will be available.
He needs look no further than the Department's website, www.immi.gov.au, for an explanation of the changes. The information was posted on the day the changes were announced.
Stewart Foster
Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA