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www.parishpatience.com.au/immigration/
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| Issue No 25 | September 2000 | |||||
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| Government threatens to change the legal
definition of a refugee As part of its wider attack on international human rights organisations, the Australian government announced on 29 August that it would be working with unspecified "like-minded countries" to narrow the definition of a refugee to "ensure that only the obligations accepted by Convention parties are taken into account in our refugee determination processes". The announcement came at the same time as the Minister let it be known through various media outlets that he was upset at a ruling of the Federal Court that, in some very special circumstances, women could be treated as a "particular social group" under the Convention. The announcement included the observation that "extensive reform" of the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is "necessary". No further details were provided. Media release Asylum seekers protest conditions at Woomera Inmates at the new Immigration Detention Centre outside the remote desert town of Woomera in South Australia took part in demonstrations over the weekend of 26 and 27 August. Tear gas was reportedly used by employees of Australian Corrections Management, a private firm to whom the government has "outsourced" management of the facility. No direct media contact with the protesters has been allowed. The isolated centre has been the subject of criticism over the quality of accommodation since it was opened. An earlier protest during which a number of inmates simply walked out of the centre into the town to peacefully protest their treatment apparently achieved no results. Consultations commence for 2000-01 Migration and Humanitarian Program The annual round of community consultations on the size and scope of Australia's immigration intake for the next financial year has begun. A discussion paper is available and the Minister has called for comments and submissions from the public. Specifically, the Minister has asked for views on:
On 16 August
the Minister announced that Fiji citizens will
require visas to transit Australian airports.
The announcement conceded that "there had been no indication so far that any
Fijian citizens of concern to Australia had transited or
used transit provisions to attempt entry to Australia
since the coup". The Department has called for
submissions to its review of certain temporary
residence visas. A discussion paper is available
and submissions are to be lodged by 29 September 2000. With each edition of Australian Immigration Law Update we will try to find some new or interesting sites that you might enjoy visiting. This month, you might like to try out some of these*:
*These sites are not in any way endorsed or connected with Parish Patience. The listing of a commercial site does not imply any recommendation or warranty concerning the products or services offered. Parish
Patience Solicitors Tel: +612
9286 8700 Liability is limited by the Solicitors Scheme under the Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW) Previous editions:
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Parish Patience Solicitors 2000. All rights reserved.
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