Freier says come clean about claims over asylum-boats
Clear message: a demonstrator holds up a sign during a
Welcome refugees rally protesting against the Australian
government's asylum policies, in Sydney, last
month
Clear message: a demonstrator holds up a sign during a
Welcome refugees rally protesting against the Australian
government's asylum policies, ...
THE Primate of Australia, Dr Philip Freier, has called for
greater transparency from the Australian government on
asylum-seekers, particularly concerning recent claims that the
government had paid people-smugglers to return boats to Indonesia.
The claims have not been confirmed or denied.
Speaking on Vatican Radio during a recent visit to Rome, Dr
Freier said that the claim was "a remarkable allegation", and that
greater transparency would help the Australian public.
Dr Freier said that it was "morally reprehensible" for
asylum-seeker children to be kept in detention "for any longer than
is necessary". More than 200 children are currently held in
detention in Australia and its off-shore facilities.