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Ordered that the report be made a parliamentary paper.
Mr DANBY -In presenting this second report of the committee into immigration detention in Australia I note that a majority of the committee are extremely pleased to note that the government has already taken steps to respond to the committee's recommendations in its first report on immigration detention, which was tabled in December. Recommendation 18 of that report urged that the government introduce legislation to waive all detention charges and debt. The government responded swiftly to that recommendation by introducing the Migration Amendment (Abolishing Detention Debt) Bill 2009 in the Senate on 18 March.
The report we are considering now was completed before the Treasurer delivered the budget speech on 12 May, which decided to vote in favour of $14 million for the assisted voluntary return program, which encourages and facilitates those found not to meet the criteria for entry to Australia to return home. There is also more money for programs to assist those granted asylum to adjust. The committee acknowledges that this is one of many welcome changes to government policy on immigration detention indeed it takes up recommendations of our 2nd report; however, despite the changes to both policy and administrative culture in recent times, we must do better.
The committee has focused on the conditions and material support for release into the community, including appropriate options for community based alternatives to secure detention. The report recognises that secure detention will continue to play a role in our immigration system. It forms an integral part of our robust immigration system. However, co-located, open residential accommodation in the community can provide people with a safe environment whilst still being accessible to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and other service providers. Community based alternatives can also be much more cost-effective than the current high levels of physical security or on-site staffing required within immigration detention centres.
The committee's first report explored the potential damage of long-term detention on people. The harsh psychological burden inflicted by long and indefinite periods of detention, as well as restrictions on income, work and health care for community based bridging visa holders, is known to have harmful effects on those involved. This report supports people who lawfully come to Australia, as well as those who have fled their native land seeking asylum, invests in case management and actively seeks an expected immigration outcome. That is why the committee has recommended that the Australian government reform the bridging visa framework to comprehensively support those released into the community, with appropriate reporting or surety requirements.
The Joint Standing Committee on Migration recommends that the government utilise the reformed bridging visa framework in lieu of community detention until a person's immigration status is resolved and review the cases of those currently on residence determinations. The committee has also recommended that there be improved transparency in immigration decision-making, improved access to legal advice and improved access to voluntary return counselling to help individuals decide what is going to be the best and most realistic outcome for them and their families.
The committee recognises that there are basic rights, such as access to appropriate health care and housing, that should be afforded to all people regardless of their immigration status. The committee recommends that the Australian government, where needed, provide basic income assistance that is means tested, access to necessary health care, assistance in sourcing appropriate temporary accommodation and community orientation information. In addition, it recommends that children be provided with safe and appropriate accommodation with their parents or guardians and basic necessities such as adequate food and primary and secondary schooling. Lastly, the committee is concerned that our reliance on the private rental market as an alternative to immigration detention facilities is inadequate and inefficient and is recommending that the Australian government have access to a stock of community based immigration housing.
I would like to express my appreciation to the hardworking members of the committee. I also note that, despite considerable effort to achieve consensus, a number of minority reports have been generated. Of particular note is the extraordinary diversity of opinion displayed by members of the opposition. The member for Murray, having supported the committee's endorsement of Labor's detention policy in December 2008, has now for reasons of political expediency, I would judge, refused to endorse this report and has written her own report. The other members of the opposition have, however, failed to follow the opposition spokesperson on immigration.
The deputy chair of the committee, the member for Hughes, has endorsed the report, and I thank her for that. The member for Kooyong has gone in another direction, tabling his own dissenting report, which I am sure he will speak about, that is poles apart from that of the shadow minister. Senator Fierravanti-Wells joined the committee late and failed to endorse the committee's report or four dissenting reports. There were four opposition members and there are four positions! This report provides recommendations forming part of a framework which will maintain Australia's border security while ensuring unauthorised arrivals and other immigrants are treated humanely.
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There was a favourable election report on the Melbourne Ports Victory in the Melbourne Weekly. Click here
Look who is suppporting Michael Danby on August 21. Click here
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O'Connor today announced that, if re-elected, a Gillard Government will extend the highly successful Secure Schools Program, which has already improved security at 54 schools across Australia. Click here Michael Danby calls for Liberal candidate for Melbourne Ports to disassociate himself from fake Danby website. Click here Emerald Hill Weekly interviews Michael Danby on rise La Gillarde. Click Here
So, what is Australia's National Broadband Network? Why is it so important and what will it mean for every Australian? Click here
Federal Labor's School Building Program saw the culmination of nearly a decades hard work by Galilee Primary School principal, Frank Cervillo with the opening of the schools multi-purpose hall, replacing a derelict under croft. Michael Danby representing Education Minister Julia Gillard said with the addition to the school precinct, Father Bob McGuire, Father David Hoffman, the local Catholic community and the Catholic Education office now saw Galilee and an adornment to the Catholic Education system. Click here.
Before Australia's Parliament leglislates autonomous sactions against Iran, Australia welcomed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1929 imposing new sanctions against Iran, adopted overnight in New York. Click here
Danby examines how the Federal Labor Government is addressing Public Housing in Melbourne Ports. Click here
Broadcaster and eminent theatrical producer John Michael Howson writes to Michael Danby on Passports Affair. Click here
Michael Danby, has welcomed the Treasurer's 2010 Federal Budget which is economically responsible and provides relief for the people of Melbourne Ports experiencing cost of living pressures, while also affording additional incentives for saving. Click here
New Salvation Army Crisis Accommodation Centre opened by Michael Danby and Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek. Click here
Malaysian Militant attacks Danby in Malaysian Parliament, Click here
Michael Danby, argued not to accept the Stern Hu bribery conviction, as it may have been given under duress Click here
Michael expressed his doubts about the fairness of Chinese legal system and its dealing with the Australian citizen Stern Hu. Follow the link to see Michael Danby on Bloomberg TV's 'The Trade', speaking on Stern Hu Click here
Michael Danby criticised Tony Abbott's undignified jibes in front of Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Click here
Michael Danby welcomed the resumption of Middle East Peace Talks and pointed to generous offers made to the Palestinians by previous Israeli leader Ehud Olmert-see map, click here
More than 400 people attended a function at the St Kilda Town Hall on February 15 to pay tribute to Danby's work in the electorate for more than 11 years. Click here
Over 60 Australian Mp's and Senators signed a letter to the Malaysian Government asking to drop the charges against Anwar Ibrahim. Click here
Michael Danby says the ABC wont kow-tow to the Chinese communist party, click here.
Click here to read Laurie Oakes's overview of proposals that would cost the taxpayer $500 million dollars to finance political parties, published in The Herald Sun on the 19th of December, 2009.
Click here to read the speech delivered by Governor-General Bryce on Sir Zelman Cowen's 90th Birthday.
Julie Bishop makes a desperate and out of context attack on Michael Danby. Click here
Michael Danby has called the Liberal Party's recent outburst on Border Security nonsense. Follow the link to see Minister for Immigration & Citizenship, Chris Evans, discuss the recent influx of asylum seekers on Lateline (October 14), click here, or more recently the Minister's interview on the 7.30 Report on the 21st of October. Click here
Michael Danby delivered a detailed speech on New Matilda and Crikey.com declaring them the ‘dark and ugly recesses of the internet' . Mr Danby called on Crikey owner Eric Beecher to explain his publications failure to moderate racist comments. Click here.
Beijing's treatment of minority groups. Says a cover story of the Aust. Jewish News. Click here
An All party delegation to India consisting of 6 mps had their outrage towards the recent attacks on Indian students reported in the Economic Times (of India). Click here
Michael Danby promoted the Harmony Day Walk in the Hindustan Times on the 4th of July Click here and on the same day the Sunday Tribune (of Bangalore) newspaper reported on the delegations outcry at the attacks on Indian Students Click here
25 May 2009: Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration Michael Danby, today tabled the 2nd of the Committee's reports into immigration detention. For Michael's tabling speech please click here. Please click here for the media release.
Local area receives Budget millions. Please click here for information on the benefits Melbourne Ports is receiving in the 2009-10 Budget.For a macro explanation of the budget, please see this interview with Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner and this interview with Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Local small businesses were winners in this year's budget. There will be an increase and extension of the Small Business and General Business Tax Break. For more information please see these links to Media Releases from the Minister for Small Business Craig Emerson.
Media Release 1 Media Release 2
The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd blasted Iran's role in undermining the anti racism essence of last week's UN conference, which had the stated objective of opposing bigotry. Click here
New Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn explained that 1.2 million Australians are not enrolled to vote, to see his dramatic opening statement to the Electoral Matters Committee click here.
Chinese Ambassador ticks off Member for Melbourne Ports. Danby welcomes his felicitous response: SMH article, Canberra Times articleForeign Minister defends Danby's appearance at rally click here
Michael Danby today announced that 28 local schools in Melbourne Ports will receive $4 million for minor infrastructure and refurbishment projects under Round One of the National School Pride (NSP) program. Click here
Pauline Hanson drops her bundle appearing on Today Tonight (channel 7) and walks out on an interview over questions about the $200 000 bonus she received, for receiving 4% of the Queensland Senate vote ($2.10 per voter) at the 2007 election click here. To read how Michael Danby exposed her earlier funding rort Click here
The Joint Committee on Migration established a new paradigm for the humane but rational treatment of asylum seekers. Click here.
Clive James, one of Australia's most celebrated expatriates penned the following poem in the Australian Literary Review. September 7 2007
