NSW: Courts to blame for large numbers of illegals - Ruddock

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2001
NSW: Courts to blame for large numbers of illegals - Ruddock

Immigration minister PHILIP RUDDOCK says the courts are contributing to the large number
of illegal immigrants arriving in Australia, because of the broad definition applied to
refugees.

Mr RUDDOCK says refugees from Afghanistan and Iraq have very high acceptance rates
in Australia compared to other parts of the world.

He says Australian courts are applying a different refugee convention to the one being
applied by United Nations officials.

Mr RUDDOCK says Australia needs to bring its definition of the convention back in line.

His comments come after the latest boatload of refugees arrived on Christmas Island
yesterday, carrying three Indonesian crew and 348 asylum seekers, including 147 children.

AAP RTV mk/jjk/jas/wjf

KEYWORD: RUDDOCK (SYDNEY)

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