Diligence not racism
Letter to the Editor - the Sun-Herald
25 February
Dear Sir/Madam
We were concerned to read your unsubstantiated reports (Lousy welcome for non-whites, 4/02/07) about the alleged actions of Immigration officials who work the front line at Sydney’s airport.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) strives for excellence in client service. We aim to uphold fair, reasonable and transparent dealings with all our clients, including at all Australia’s airports.
While airport staff work to process people as quickly as possible, they also have a duty of care to all Australians to ensure our border integrity procedures are first rate.
Checks must be, and are performed as quickly and efficiently as possible with the minimum disruption to more than 23 million people moving in and out of Australia each year.
If anyone does have a complaint about their interaction with a departmental officer, we urge them to contact us directly or an agency such as the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s office.
Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager
Department of Immigration and Citizenship