Howard Caves in - changes to detention (2 Viewers)

[townie]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Weve-failed-detainees--PM-caves-in/2005/06/17/1118869098856.html

All families with children will be released into community detention

Ombudsman will review all detentions >2yrs

Immigration Dept to report to Ombudsman every 6 months

howard says "We have to confess that [failing to act sooner on immigration policy] was one of the many failings of this Government,"


In all my life, i never thought i'd be thrilled with something howard has done, Mr. Howard, for the first time, i congratulate u, you do have a heart

 

[Monkey Butler]

It's all too cynical for my liking.

 

[paper cup]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Weve-failed-detainees--PM-caves-in/2005/06/17/1118869098856.html

All families with children will be released into community detention

Ombudsman will review all detentions >2yrs

Immigration Dept to report to Ombudsman every 6 months

howard says "We have to confess that [failing to act sooner on immigration policy] was one of the many failings of this Government,"


In all my life, i never thought i'd be thrilled with something howard has done, Mr. Howard, for the first time, i congratulate u, you do have a heart

I think he made the decision more for political motives than of any personal sentimentality
woo there's another paragraph I can use for 'effectiveness of the law' in my human rights case study

 

[withoutaface]

I think he made the decision more for political motives than of any personal sentimentality
woo there's another paragraph I can use for 'effectiveness of the law' in my human rights case study

I will now question whether you're happy about the decision because you like seeing less persecution, or because it helps your assignment.

 

[iamsickofyear12]

What's stopping these people in "community detention" from just taking off, moving somewhere else in Australia? That's what I would do if I thought there was a chance of being kicked out.

 

[walrusbear]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Weve-failed-detainees--PM-caves-in/2005/06/17/1118869098856.html

All families with children will be released into community detention

Ombudsman will review all detentions >2yrs

Immigration Dept to report to Ombudsman every 6 months

howard says "We have to confess that [failing to act sooner on immigration policy] was one of the many failings of this Government,"


In all my life, i never thought i'd be thrilled with something howard has done, Mr. Howard, for the first time, i congratulate u, you do have a heart

good start
are you kidding me? he has a heart?

it's sad when a government does something like this it is considered landmark or whatever.
this should have been bleeding fucking obvious from the start. complying to basic human rights shouldn't take this many years

 

[spin spin sugar]

ive noticed hes been making a lot of concessions lately and various compromises, it makes me really suspicious to be honest, like hes saving up his refusals for some big issue he wont compromise on at ALL.

/end leftist paranoia

 

[Iron]

He could afford this. Kimbo's taken a pounding recently.

 

[somechick]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Weve-failed-detainees--PM-caves-in/2005/06/17/1118869098856.html

Thats right. John Howard negotiates with 'political terrorists' and lets them win.

What a world we live in

what does this mean? who are you calling political terrorists?

 

[Generator]

It's just a symbolic gesture with a greater degree of ministerial discretion being allowed. Nothing much has changed beyond that.

 

[Not-That-Bright]

You all say "he won't negotiate with these people, what a meanie", and he did... good work BOS lefty political commentators.

 

[MoonlightSonata]

I hate how Petro Georgio ALWAYS has his glasses on his nose like that. Every time you see him he has them perched there, even in contexts he would never need them to read in. Maybe he thinks they make him look intellectual or wise or some such thing. On the contrary he looks like a smarmy fool!

The changes are good though, I'm glad there is actually room for diverse opinion in the Libs. Good to know things haven't completely dried up

 

[walrusbear]

You all say "he won't negotiate with these people, what a meanie", and he did... good work BOS lefty political commentators.

you are an idiot sometimes

 

[neo o]

There goes the neighbourhood.

 

[paper cup]

I will now question whether you're happy about the decision because you like seeing less persecution, or because it helps your assignment.

you see through my petty facade

but I am going to stay neutral on this matter, cos (as politically incorrect as it is) I think that arguments for both sides have validity.

 

[leetom]

I like Petro's glasses. Makes him instantly recognisable.

Howard hasn't 'flip-flopped' or 'caved in' as some idiots have suggested. He has reasoned and come to a conclusion that suits everybody's needs.

Take that Sophie, stupid bitch.

 

[braindrainedAsh]

LOL @ Sophie Panapoulous.... from WODONGA LOL!!! Of all places....

Anyway, I think that the real test will be in the actual implementation of this. Will people still be kept in limbo for many years in "community detention".... what will this community detention actually entail?

But it is a step in the right direction. I don't think we should be thanking Johnny for this, we should be thanking those people that have continually been protesting and caring about this problem, because it has faded in and out of the public interest and some people have been fighting this since mandatory detention was first introduced.

The one thing that really concerns me is that will be a way to push immigration out of the limelight.... people will forget and then who knows if those in community detention or whatever will get real help etc or will just be left in limbo with a bit less razor wire than before.

I think anyone who believes this is a compassionate move are deluding themselves. This is for purely political reasons. A huge split in the Libs would be highly embarassing, and this issue could have had the potential to be the downfall of Howard's reign with the current social climate.

 

[Not-That-Bright]

You should be thanking Johnie for this because while he could of been slightly embarassed when maybe some of his members disagreed with him, the majority of the australian community (for whatever deluded reason) wants harsher detention...

Community Detention = better.
6 Month Screening period = better.
Reviews every 6 months = better.
Power for minister to release people at a whim = better (in case there is some special circumstance).

 

[MoonlightSonata]

It's not as if ministers haven't acted on their whim before without the power to do so anyway

(I'm looking at you, Ruddock)

 

[Tarni1]

I have been corresponding with asylum seekers for around one and a half years now. I believe that, among numerous other issues, immigration is being handdled atrociously by the Australian Government. It is a completely inhumane practice, with the issue being kept from the public eye for a long time.
I am amazed at some of the responses I get from people my age on the issue;
"So you're saying I should let illegals in MY country?"
"no they should be left there forever"
Etc etc..
they are extememly ignorant opinions. I guess it's not entirely their fault..the media plays a huge role in politicising the whole issue. It's quite simple:
There are people who are being threatened/in danger in their home country, so they risk their live out of fear and hope to start a new life. When they arrive in Australia, the government locks them up , away from public view, for years on end. Come on- how long does it take to 'assess' someone?? (7 yrs in Peter Qasim's case). It is pathetic . AND now Peter Qasim is only on a TPV..unable to actually feel like he can set up a new life.
Doesn't the Universal Decleration of Human Rights say we will help people seeking asylum? Do we not portray ourselves as 'friendly' and 'help others'..well not when it comes to people with a Middle Eastern Origin it appears.
It is about time young people show some compassion for others. I believe Australia has become a very selfish nation.
People our age need to watch TV shows like Foreign Correspondence, or Enough Rope..something that will open up their eyes.
I think Kim Powell from Enmore got it right today in the Herald:
"The good thing about Big Brother is that with these fools locked away, and more fools staying home to watch them, the collective IQ of pub-goers on weeknights has increased"