ID :
205893
Thu, 09/08/2011 - 02:12
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/205893
The shortlink copeid
Oppn demands govt rule out Malaysia deal
SYDNEY, Aug 08 (AAP) - The federal coalition is turning the screws on the government by demanding it drop the scuttled Malaysia refugee swap deal from its policy on asylum seekers.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he's still keen to help the government keep offshore processing alive by changing the Migration Act but he wants the Malaysia plan ruled out.
"We are happy to make legislative changes if that's what is needed to put the legal position regarding offshore processing beyond doubt," Mr Abbott told reporters in Brisbane.
"But we think that Malaysia is a bad deal.
"So does everyone except the prime minister and the immigration minister, so as far as I'm concerned Malaysia is out."
The comments put the squeeze on the government, which is determined to stick with offshore processing and the Malaysia deal, arguing it remains the best way to deter people smugglers.
It's been warned to expect up to 600 people arriving by boat a month if all asylum seekers are processed onshore, potentially causing Australia's detention network to overflow within a year.
The same information was passed on to Mr Abbott during a briefing with immigration department boss Andrew Metcalfe and other officials in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Mr Abbott was told that both the Migration Act and the Guardianship of Children Act need to be amended if offshore processing is to remain viable - including his plan to reopen the mothballed Nauru detention centre.
Mr Abbott has been insisting that the High Court decision does not hinder the Nauru proposal.
Immigration officials are understood to have argued that reopening detention centres in Nauru and Manus Island wouldn't be as effective as Malaysia, since most of the people processed in those two locations had ended up in Australia.
They said towing boats back used to work, and Malaysia would have effectively been a "virtual tow back" because it removed boat people from the Australian legal system.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen admits the government would like the coalition's help to change the law, given it can't rely on the Australian Greens, who demand only onshore processing.
"The legislation would have a much, much better chance of passing if it's supported by the government and the opposition," Mr Bowen told ABC Television.
"But I am not going to get into the minutia of the hypotheticals of negotiation."
He accused Mr Abbott of walking away from his initial offer to talk freely about asylum seekers, minus any conditions.
Two days ago Mr Abbott wouldn't rule out potentially doing a deal with Labor to breathe new life into the Malaysian proposal but the coalition had since changed its tune, Mr Bowen said.
Opposition deputy leader Julie Bishop emphatically rejected the Malaysia deal on Wednesday.
Asked if there was any way to revive the plan to send 800 boat arrivals to Malaysia in exchange for 4000 genuine refugees, she replied: "We wouldn't support it.
"The Malaysia solution is finished.
"We cannot see any circumstances where a Malaysian solution ... can be revived."
Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Wednesday again defended not talking to leaders of Nauru and PNG about asylum seekers while at the Pacific Islands this week.
She said it was too soon to be talking to other countries since the government has yet to finalise its response to the High Court decision.
The Nauru and PNG leaders have said they have no intention of raising the subject with her.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he's still keen to help the government keep offshore processing alive by changing the Migration Act but he wants the Malaysia plan ruled out.
"We are happy to make legislative changes if that's what is needed to put the legal position regarding offshore processing beyond doubt," Mr Abbott told reporters in Brisbane.
"But we think that Malaysia is a bad deal.
"So does everyone except the prime minister and the immigration minister, so as far as I'm concerned Malaysia is out."
The comments put the squeeze on the government, which is determined to stick with offshore processing and the Malaysia deal, arguing it remains the best way to deter people smugglers.
It's been warned to expect up to 600 people arriving by boat a month if all asylum seekers are processed onshore, potentially causing Australia's detention network to overflow within a year.
The same information was passed on to Mr Abbott during a briefing with immigration department boss Andrew Metcalfe and other officials in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Mr Abbott was told that both the Migration Act and the Guardianship of Children Act need to be amended if offshore processing is to remain viable - including his plan to reopen the mothballed Nauru detention centre.
Mr Abbott has been insisting that the High Court decision does not hinder the Nauru proposal.
Immigration officials are understood to have argued that reopening detention centres in Nauru and Manus Island wouldn't be as effective as Malaysia, since most of the people processed in those two locations had ended up in Australia.
They said towing boats back used to work, and Malaysia would have effectively been a "virtual tow back" because it removed boat people from the Australian legal system.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen admits the government would like the coalition's help to change the law, given it can't rely on the Australian Greens, who demand only onshore processing.
"The legislation would have a much, much better chance of passing if it's supported by the government and the opposition," Mr Bowen told ABC Television.
"But I am not going to get into the minutia of the hypotheticals of negotiation."
He accused Mr Abbott of walking away from his initial offer to talk freely about asylum seekers, minus any conditions.
Two days ago Mr Abbott wouldn't rule out potentially doing a deal with Labor to breathe new life into the Malaysian proposal but the coalition had since changed its tune, Mr Bowen said.
Opposition deputy leader Julie Bishop emphatically rejected the Malaysia deal on Wednesday.
Asked if there was any way to revive the plan to send 800 boat arrivals to Malaysia in exchange for 4000 genuine refugees, she replied: "We wouldn't support it.
"The Malaysia solution is finished.
"We cannot see any circumstances where a Malaysian solution ... can be revived."
Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Wednesday again defended not talking to leaders of Nauru and PNG about asylum seekers while at the Pacific Islands this week.
She said it was too soon to be talking to other countries since the government has yet to finalise its response to the High Court decision.
The Nauru and PNG leaders have said they have no intention of raising the subject with her.
