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dreamer_easyThe backbenchers' efforts have forced a compromise. The government will introduce legislation next week to liberalise its mandatory detention regime:
- Asylum seekers to be assessed within three months, and appeals handled within three months
- Families with children will be moved into "community detention".
- Others in detention for two years or more will be automatically reviewed by the Commonwealth Ombudsman, who will be able to recommend they are released and/or given permanent residency.
- The 10,500 refugees on Temporary Protection Visas will have a decision by 31 October this year, with most expected to gain permanent residency.
This is far from perfect, and a lot less than the private members' bills would have delivered; but it is a huge lurch in the direction of complying with international law, and not destroying adults' and children's minds and lives.
In other news, severely depressed detainee Peter Qasim has been released into psychiatric care. As he cannot be deported, he has been in detention for seven years.
- Asylum seekers to be assessed within three months, and appeals handled within three months
- Families with children will be moved into "community detention".
- Others in detention for two years or more will be automatically reviewed by the Commonwealth Ombudsman, who will be able to recommend they are released and/or given permanent residency.
- The 10,500 refugees on Temporary Protection Visas will have a decision by 31 October this year, with most expected to gain permanent residency.
This is far from perfect, and a lot less than the private members' bills would have delivered; but it is a huge lurch in the direction of complying with international law, and not destroying adults' and children's minds and lives.
In other news, severely depressed detainee Peter Qasim has been released into psychiatric care. As he cannot be deported, he has been in detention for seven years.
