Posted by David Chibo (210.10.41.38) on October 31, 2001 at 21:15:02:
In Reply to: Asylum Seekers Letter posted by David Chibo on October 25, 2001 at 23:59:04:
Dear Mr Chibo,
Thank you for your email of 24th October.
The position of the Australian Democrats on assylum seekers is very much the same as yours.
In response to your three requests we say that electronic tagging is one possible method that can be used to replace mandatory detention. The
important thing is that some fair and humane alternative be found to mandatory detention.
The Australian Democrats will continue to argue that Australia honour its international agreement quotas on the number of refugees to be accepted.
In the area of foreign policy and international aid, the Democrats policy position is that aid should be directed to those directly in need and
that sanctions should not harm the helpless. The long view should be taken in regard to any foreign policy to ensure that it does not set the stage for suffering, alienation and resentment in the future.
Regards,
Senator Andrew Bartlett
Democrats' Immigration spokesperson