Fed: New immigration laws not a concession to Indonesia - Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2006
Fed: New immigration laws not a concession to Indonesia - Howard

The Prime Minister says Australia's tough new immigration laws have not been introduced
in a bid to appease the Indonesian government.

However .. JOHN HOWARD says if the new laws help the relationship with Indonesia ..

then that's a good thing.

The government's announced a new hardline policy that will send asylum seekers who
come direct to Australia .. offshore for processing.

Even if they're found to be refugees .. they'll be kept offshore until they can be
sent to another country.

Cabinet's national security committee agreed to the plan following weeks of high tension
between Australia and Indonesia .. over 42 successful Papuan claims for protection.

AAP RTV ag/smb/rt

KEYWORD: PAPUA HOWARD (SYDNEY)

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