Labor spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs Madeleine Ogilvie today welcomed the release of children being held in mainland detention centres but said the Coalition’s belated move does not go far enough.
“If the Government was truly concerned about the welfare of asylum seekers it would help the hundreds of children that remain in offshore detention centres,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has finally bowed to public pressure over keeping children in mainland detention centres but is still ignoring the welfare of those under lock and key on Nauru and Christmas Island.
“Mr Morrison is using children detained offshore for his own political ends.
“To suggest that keeping children detained offshore will stop people seeking asylum is ridiculous.
“It is typical of the Coalition’s cold-hearted approach that children in off-shore detention centres are left in indefinite legal limbo.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs
