Australian Government announces changes to immigration detention system

29/07/2008

The minister for immigration and citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today announced changes to Australia’s system of mandatory detention for unlawful non-citizens. Unauthorised boat arrivals will continue to be processed�at the�Christmas Island facility, but will now have access to legal assistance and an independent review of unfavourable decisions.

“The department will have to justify why a person should be detained. Once in detention a detainee’s case will be reviewed every three months to ensure that the further detention of the individual is justified,” Senator Evans said. “Children will not be detained in an immigration detention centre.”

The Law Council has issued a media release welcoming the move.

View the minister's media release� |� Download the minister's speech announcing the changes>

29 July 2008