Detainees Should be Brought to Australia

Greens Media Release
Nauru and Christmas Island Detainees Should be Brought to Australia
21st Mar 05

Greens Senator Bob Brown says Federal Cabinet must also consider bringing long term detainees on Christmas Island and Nauru to mainland Australia.

“Some of Australia’s longest term detainees are on Nauru with 48 adults and 6 children locked up since 2001,” Senator Brown said.

“Meanwhile 38 (28 adults and 6 children) remain locked up on Christmas Island.

“The discussion by federal cabinet of long term detainees must consider those outside mainland Australia as well as those behind the razor wire at places like Baxter.

“Now that the Prime Minister has become directly involved in rolling back this cruel and inhumane system, he should bring back all those on Nauru and Christmas Island for processing here as a prelude to releasing them into the Australian community.

“The brutality of the offshore detention centres has shamed this country.

“I praise those on the Liberal backbench who are speaking up and joining the thousands of Australians who have been working for change for so long,” Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown’s colleagues Senator Nettle and SA Greens MP Kris Hanna will visit Baxter Detention Centre tomorrow.

ENDS

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