Fed:Renewed calls for asylum seekers to be processed on mainland

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2009
Fed:Renewed calls for asylum seekers to be processed on mainland

The Greens have renewed their calls for all asylum seekers to be processed on the mainland
.. amid reports that another boat is on its way.

The federal government hasn't reports of another asylum-seeker boat which could reach
Australia within days.

The Australian Greens say they want the government to ensure that any future asylum
seekers are brought to the mainland for processing.

Under current arrangements .. people who don't reach the mainland are processed offshore
.. which limits their legal claim for asylum.

The Greens say the boat which exploded and sank off the northwest coast of Australia
last week is an example of Australia's two-class system .. with the 13 taken directly
to Darwin for medical treatment now able to apply for refugee status in Australia.

But 29 others who were first taken to an oil rig will be processed offshore.

AAP RTV sld/kms/tm

KEYWORD: BOAT GREENS (CANBERRA)

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