Fed: Howard says balance right on immigration policy

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2000
Fed: Howard says balance right on immigration policy

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says Australia has the balance right with its immigration policy.

Mr HOWARD says although illegal immigration is a hard issue, the laws are not too lenient.

Speaking on Radio 4BC, he says the government has tough but fair rules in relation
to illegal immigration.

He says if people come to this country without permission and can't establish they're
genuine refugees then Australia can't be expected to accept them willy nilly.

Mr HOWARD says the people have to be detained and where possible and appropriate sent
back to the country from which they came.

Mr HOWARD has acknowledged a humanitarian desire to help people regardless of the circumstances.

He says Australia couldn't put them back into the sea but if it appeared as though
the country had an easy touch then there'd be no end of people wanting to come here.

AAP RTV eg/klw

KEYWORD: IMMIGRATION HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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