Australia set for new refugee laws

Asylum seekers have been sent to Nauru

By BBC Sydney correspondent Red Harrison

The Australian Government is introducing new laws to limit significantly the opportunity for boat people and other illegal immigrants to seek political asylum.

The new laws are being debated in the Senate, the upper house of parliament, though debate is probably too strong a word because the labour party opposition is supporting the government at every step.

The laws will reinforce Australia's authority to turn boats away from Australia and impose mandatory prison sentences on the crews of boats which do cross the border.

Afghan migrants were picked up by the cargo ship Tampa

Boat people coming through Indonesia will be denied permanent residence even if they prove to be genuine refugees.

Some of these restrictions will apply to people coming through Christmas Island and other popular landing places off the north-west coast.

The laws, which will come into force later this week, will confirm Australia's right to send these people to another country such as the pacific island of Nauru to be dealt with by the United Nations.

And an overriding law will deny all these people access to the courts to challenge government actions or decisions.

Australia's hard line against boat people has strong popular support though some minor political parties are describing the new laws as repressive and abominable.