ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/09/2002 09:23:39
Christians assess Australia's asylum policy
Australian Christian leaders are putting forward a proposal to take the politics out of
what they call the most "divisive" issue in Australian life.
A coalition of church groups has drafted radical changes to Australia's system of
dealing with asylum seekers.
A working paper by the Australian Conference of Leaders of Religious Groups will be
released at the National Press Club in Canberra.
The organisation that represents 11-thousand Catholic and Anglican congregations
describes the current system of processing asylum seekers as "inhumane" and "in
crisis."
Keep families together
The paper argues the system's in need of a radical overhaul.
It recommends the establishment of a Commissioner for Refugees, who would work
closely with the relevant departments, but be independent of government.
It also recommends a limit of 60 days for processing claims, that family units be kept
together while waiting for immigration clearance and that all asylum seekers with
short term entry be granted freedom to reside in the community.
17/09/2002 09:23:39 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
