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Freier says come clean about claims over asylum-boats

26 June 2015

DEMOTIX

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.

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