Senator Andrew Bartlett
Deputy Parliamentary Leader and Democrats Senator for Queensland
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
| Dated: 13 September 2005
Portfolio: Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
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Chen Yonglin Case Shows "Culture Problems" In DFAT, As Well As DIMIA
| Democrats Immigration spokesperson, Senator Andrew Bartlett said the release of the Senate Committee report into the handling of the asylum request by Chinese consular official, Mr Chen Yonglin, showed that the culture problems in DIMIA[1] are also prevalent in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The initial blithe rejection of Mr Chens request for political asylum, followed by the excessive pressure applied by DFAT officials encouraging Mr Chen to return to his post was totally inappropriate and put political priorities above the needs of a family making a genuine request for protection Senator Bartlett said.
While there are good reasons for Australia to have a sound relationship with the Peoples Republic of China, this should not come at the expense of human rights.
Senator Bartlett said that evidence presented to the inquiry showed a clear failure by DIMIA and DFAT to act promptly and appropriately in this matter, even when the detail and seriousness of Mr Chens request became clear.
The evidence indicates that this case was overseen at very high levels in DIMIA and DFAT. For the matter to be so mismanaged demonstrates that cultural problems are endemic, Senator Bartlett said.
We can't just keep blaming public servants. Change will only come from the top down and the only way to alter the culture which has led to such inadequate and harmful responses by these Departments is a clear change in attitude and policy of the Government itself, Senator Bartlett concluded.
[1] E.g. Senator Vanstone in response to questions from Senator Ray, Senate Hansard, 12/05/2005, p58, and from Senator Faulkner, Senate Hansard, 18/08/2005, p76
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