Senator Brown asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, upon notice, on 19 June 2003:

With reference to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian and Iranian governments used to progress voluntary repatriation of detained Iranians:

(1) Was a letter distributed to detained Iranians in the following or similar terms, `We urge you to actively consider your options. Failure to do so will result in your removal from Australia. The governments of Iran and Australia are currently consulting on the issue of your removal should you not depart voluntarily'.

(2) Is it true that the Iranian Government wishes only to accept detainees who volunteer to return; if so, is that the reason why Iranian detainees are offered money to go on a voluntary basis.

(3) Does the Minister have any evidence of torture or death of Iranian detainees who have returned to Iran from Australian detention centres.

Senator Ellison (Minister for Justice and Customs) —The Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) Between 17 April 2003 and 2 May 2003, Departmental officers from Unauthorised Arrivals Section visited detention centres to present information sessions to Iranian detainees on the Memorandum Of Understanding on Consular Matters, the reintegration assistance package and voluntary return. Detainees were advised that the reintegration package would be offered to eligible Iranian detainees who have no authorisation to remain in Australia and have exhausted all refugee determination processes, which includes merits and judicial review. Detainees were given written material which advised that the reintegration assistance package includes financial assistance for reintegration of $2000 per person and up to $10,000 per family, assistance in obtaining an Iranian travel document, and provision of travel to their home community in Iran. The material advised that upon receiving a formal offer of the reintegration package, Iranians would have 28 days to choose whether to accept the offer for voluntary return. The agreement also includes provision for the involuntary removal of Iranians who have no outstanding visa applications.

(2) The Memorandum of Understanding on Consular Matters established between the Government of Australia and Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran includes provisions for involuntary removal of Iranians currently in immigration detention who do not volunteer to return with assistance of the reintegration package.

(3) The Australian Government takes seriously its obligation not to refoule refugees and has in place robust refugee determination procedures, but also respects the principles of state sovereignty and does not monitor non-Australian citizens in foreign countries.