Senator Andrew Bartlett Deputy Parliamentary Leader and Democrats Senator for Queensland Australian Democrats spokesperson for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Papuan Asylum Seekers key test of DIMIAs Culture Change
The Democrats say the treatment of the claims of 43 asylum seekers from West Papua will be a key test of the genuineness of the purported 'culture change' in the Immigration Department.
Australian Democrat's Deputy Leader, Andrew Bartlett said there is scant evidence that any real change is forthcoming. With today's scheduled deportation of Mr Ali Beyazkilinc (who was deemed medically unfit for deportation) only stopped by Federal Court intervention.
"And diplomatic sensitivities about our relationship with Indonesia should not impact on the assessment of refugee claims."
"Evidence before Senate Committees last year, not least regarding the handling of the asylum claim of Chinese diplomat Chen Yonglin, showed that the Department of Foreign Affairs has a culture of disregard for human rights even worse than DIMIA," Senator Bartlett said.
"This must not be allowed to intrude on something as fundamental as an individual's claim for protection from persecution."
"Australian Governments, in letting their own political interests get in the way allow a blind eye to be turned to the persecution of West Papuans."
"Not only was Australia complicit in the enabling Indonesia to take over West Papua against the will of the local people in the 1960s, but our Government also subsequently rejected many asylum claims from people who subsequently fled clearly documented persecution by the Indonesians."
"Whilst the Indonesian Government has made remarkable progress in instituting democracy and improving human rights, there is still ample evidence that the treatment of indigenous people in West Papua remains a serious problem."
"Human rights and freedom from persecution should never be sacrificed to short-term political expediency."
"The asylum claims of the latest arrivals cannot be pre-judged and must be assessed on their merits, but the Democrats will be watching closely to ensure proper process is followed," Senator Bartlett concluded.
