The Federal Government is trying to stop asylum seekers arriving by boat, by removing the entire mainland from Australia’s migration zone.
This will get rid of any legal advantage for asylum seekers reaching the mainland, over those who are taken to Christmas Island.
The legislation is expected to be introduced today, and is one of 25 recommendations on Asylum Seekers, that the Government are committed to introducing.
The move will discourage Asylum Seekers to ignore the current offshore processing arrangements in Nauru and ManusIsland.
All will be processed offshore regardless of the method of arrival, and will lower the risks associated with people smuggling by boat.
The Greens are fighting the legislation, saying it is discriminatory and hinders the right to seek asylum in Australia.
The idea is similar to one put forward during the Howard Government which never came to pass.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-30/legislation-shifts-goalposts-on-offshore-processing/4341310
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