Fed: Aust shuts its doors to Papuans

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2006
Fed: Aust shuts its doors to Papuans

Papuan asylum seekers have been sent a clear message .. they'll be shipped anywhere
but Australia if they try to find protection here.

The government has toughened its asylum regime following a rift with Indonesia .. over
Australia's decision to grant temporary protection visas to 42 Papuans last month.

The Prime Minister denies the change was made to appease Indonesia.

But refugee advocates .. Labor and the minor parties say it is aimed squarely at Papuans.

Under the changes .. anyone entering Australia illegally .. will be sent to an offshore
immigration detention centre for processing.

The government hopes to send even those found to be genuine refugees to a third country.

AAP RTV shh/mfh/wz/tm/psm/

KEYWORD: PAPUA (CANBERRA)

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