Hwang family

Letter to the Editor - Sunday Telegraph
6 June 2005

Dear Sir/Madam

Claire Masters (Ian’s visa fight 5/6/05) makes a number of incorrect statements in relation to the case of Ian Hwang and his mother and sister.

The Hwang family has exhausted all avenues to remain lawfully in Australia. Where a person has no legal right to remain in Australia, they are expected to depart as soon as practicable. In order for the department to facilitate this, valid travel documents, such as a passport, are required.

These documents were presented to Mrs Hwang in Korean, not in English as indicated in the article.

Mrs Hwang could have indicated at any time that she did not understand these documents, or ask why they were necessary, and Immigration officials would have been happy to explain their meaning. At no time did Mrs Hwang indicate any confusion.

Mrs Hwang had the purpose of the travel document application form explained to her and as she has functional English an interpreter was not required during the explanation. Interpreters are regularly used when detainees require or request them. At no time did Mrs Hwang request an interpreter be present.

Kym Charlton
Acting Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA