Fed: Govt changes boat policy in face of growing pressure

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2010
Fed: Govt changes boat policy in face of growing pressure

The government is facing a backlash over its changes to the way it processes asylum
seekers arriving in Australia by boat.

Opposition Leader TONY ABBOTT says yesterday's announcement .. that claims by new asylum
seekers from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan won't be processed until it reviews the political
and security climate in the two countries later in the year .. is an admission by the
government its policies have failed.

Refugee advocates and human rights groups have also criticised the changes .. with
IAN RINTOUL from the Refugee Action Coalition saying they are unnecessary .. because they
take away the ability of officials to assess the personal experiences of claimants.

AAP RTV so/wf/wz

KEYWORD: ELECTION (CANBERRA)

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