Misinformation about Detainees Dispelled
Media Release - DPS 3/2003
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) today clarified information suggesting there are refugees held in detention.
No refugees are held in detention in Australia. As soon as any detainee is found to be owed protection they are released as soon as practicable.
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 Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) and then up to three times in the courts.
Currently, of the 1236 detainees in mainland centres in Australia, there are only four awaiting primary decisions on their applications.
Currently around 75 per cent of the detainees at Baxter, Woomera and Port Hedland are available for removal.
Of the others in these centres:
- At Port Hedland 33 detainees are before the RRT or the courts
- At Woomera 27 detainees are before the RRT or the courts
- At Baxter 53 detainees are before the RRT or the courts
All 45 detainees on Christmas Island are awaiting removal.
Most detainees in Villawood Immigration Detention Centre are overstayers, illegal workers picked up in compliance operations and criminals awaiting deportation.
A majority of Villawood detainees are from China, Korea, Indonesia, Fiji, the Philippines and India.
One hundred and seventy two are awaiting removal.
The profile of detainees currently in Villawood varies considerably to those in other detention centres in Australia. Most of the 513 detainees in Villawood have broken the law and are in Australia illegally and have only been in detention up to 3 months.
These facts clearly demonstrate the vast majority of detainees are awaiting removal and are free to leave Australia at any time. The department is willing to facilitate the return of these detainees.
The situation remains controlled in all detention centres today after a quiet night with no further disturbances. Searches continue in all facilities for weapons and contraband items.
2 January 2003
Media inquiries:
Public Affairs (02) 6264 2244 or 0419 442 000 (ah)