Senator BARTLETT (Leader of the Australian Democrats) (2:48 PM) —My question is to the minister representing the immigration minister, Senator Ellison. Is the minister aware that over 100 refugees from Iraq gathered in front of Parliament House this afternoon expressing concern about the ongoing uncertainty with regard to their future on temporary protection visas? Can the minister confirm that there has been no processing of protection visa applications from Iraqi refugees despite the fact that many refugees' original visas expired as long ago as December last year? How long are these refugees expected to be left waiting and suffering in a state of uncertainty about their future, separated from their family and unable to rebuild their lives?

Senator ELLISON (Minister for Justice and Customs) —I am unaware that, as stated by Senator Bartlett, Iraqi asylum seekers are in this position. I will seek advice from the minister for immigration on this point, but I am not aware of any different treatment being given to Iraqi asylum seekers than any other person in that position.

Senator BARTLETT —Mr President, I would ask the minister by way of a supplementary question, given that he has to seek detail, if he could ascertain how many Iraqi refugees who were granted temporary protection visas over three years ago have put in an application for a new visa on the expiry of their temporary visa and whether any of those visas have been processed through to finality. How long are they expected to wait? Will they be left in the same situation as those East Timorese asylum seekers who were in Australia when they had to wait over 10 years to find out their fate?

Senator ELLISON (Minister for Justice and Customs) —I have information here which states that DIMIA has been handing down decisions on further protection visa applications since May 2000, with a total of 114 decisions made. Of those, 111 are refusal and three cases are approved due to special circumstances. In relation to what component, if any, would be Iraqi applicants, I would have to take that on notice and advise Senator Bartlett.