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Tuesday, 10 May 2005
Page: 346


Mr Laurie Ferguson asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, in writing, on 9 March 2005:

(1)   How successful has the threat of deportation to Iran been in getting Iranian detainees to take a voluntary package.

(2)   Has the agreement with the Iranian government been invoked; if so, how many involuntary returns has Iran agreed to.

(3)   Has the Minister’s department consulted with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about the enforcement of the MOU with Iran.

(4)   Is the Minister aware of proposals to involve NGO’s in assisting the return and rehabilitation of long term detainees who have not been granted refugee status.


Mr McGauran (Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs) —The Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

(1)   Threats are not used. Twenty-eight detainees have returned with the assistance of the Reintegration Package.

(2)   The MOU with Iran has been invoked. There have been seven involuntary returns since the signing of the MOU.

(3)   Yes.

(4)   At least one preliminary approach has been received by an NGO that broadly meets this description.