09-January-2008
Portfolio Media Releases, Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
“The Rudd Labor Government’s plans to shut the immigration detention centre in Nauru show that they have again failed to think through the effect of their policies and the impact they will have on Australia’s international relations,” The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Andrew Robb AO MP, said today.
“The closure of this centre and the impact it will have on unauthorised migration has not been thought through and the new Labor Government has failed to discuss the closure with the Government of Nauru,” said the Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator the Hon. Chris Ellison.
“This follows Labor’s failure to speak with the Japanese Prime Minister prior to announcing that ships and planes would be dispatched to monitor whaling,” said Mr Robb.
“The dismantling of the centres on Nauru and Manus Island sends a clear message to people smugglers that Australia is relaxing border control on unauthorised boat arrivals,” said Senator Ellison.
Media Contacts:
Senator Ellison’s office: Kate Walshe, 0411 472 299
Mr Robb’s office: Stuart Eaton, 0433 298 620