MPs defend 'illegal immigrants' terminology

21 October 2009 | 03:40:34 PM | Source: AAP

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the opposition says the prime minister is deliberately adopting hardline language to appease Labor's right wingers. (AAP)

Government ministers have defended Kevin Rudd's use of the term illegal immigrants to describe suspected asylum seekers.

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But the opposition says the prime minister is deliberately adopting hardline language to appease Labor's right wingers.

"I think what the prime minister was doing was sending the message both nationally and internationally that we're very committed to border security," Immigration Minister Chris Evans told ABC Radio on Wednesday.

Senator Evans acknowledged there was debate within the immigration sector about the terminology to describe people arriving in Australian territory and seeking refugee status.

Frontbench colleague Penny Wong says there has been a long debate about the terminology.

"I think the prime minister was seeking to express what Australia's policy is," she told Sky News, adding it was about balancing strong border protection with the humane treatment of asylum seekers.

Opposition immigration spokeswoman Sharman Stone says the correct term is "unauthorised arrivals".

"The terminology ... (Mr) Rudd is using is deliberately to meet the anxieties of the right wing in his party," she told reporters in Canberra.

"It's not about illegals ... other than if you are talking about the smugglers." But Labor backbencher Amanda Rishworth refused to say what language should be used when quizzed by reporters.

The party was in "complete consensus" over border protection and immigration policy, she said. "The Labor caucus is 100 per cent behind Kevin Rudd on this issue."

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Your Comments

28 Apr 2011 7:26 AEST

Magda

From: Brisbane

Refugees

"Illegal migrants" are actually refugees and refugees are legal regardless of how they arrive. However, if people are escaping the risk of death and torture, I would think they would welcome a roof over their head, education and food, regardless of where it is provided, inside a detention centre or in a tent, knowing that with time and patience they will be able to start a new life. I strongly object to my tax dollars going up in smoke!

Agree (0 people agree)
Disagree (0 people disagree)
 

08 Apr 2010 12:31 AEST

tania

From: perth

mrs

All people whom I speak to are tierd of the "do gooders/politically correct".
We do not want any more "illegal immigrants" here.
There are many people wanting to get into Australia who are going through the right channels and have to WAIT.
They don't sit in their "boats" call the authorities by mobile to say: "We are here, come and pick us up on our terms".

Agree (1 people agree)
Disagree (0 people disagree)
 

21 Oct 2009 20:42 AEST

Sue

From: Wynyard

Beautiful one day Beastie the next

Asylum seeker or Illegal immigrant? Well, depends who you speak to and what sought of wins you need to chalk up in the political sphere. Or is it that Rudd really does see these boat people as 'illegals' [sounds American doesn't it?]. The terminology is inappropriate because these people are 'asylum seekers' - a term that is accepted widely &in use; to use 'illegal immigrants' suggests Rudd and Co. want to appear tough so they are arousing fear. Ah. the stench ... takes me back a few years!

Agree (6 people agree)
Disagree (4 people disagree)
 

21 Oct 2009 20:29 AEST

Sue

From: Wynyard

spin out

The term is 'asylum seeker' - this term has meaning & when people seek asylum, that's what they are called. People who overstay visas are illegal immigrants. It's questionable to call these people 'illegal immigrants' because firstly, the appropriate term is ignored, & 2ndly & more importantly, the description is divisive, is a rap on the knuckles, a criticism and plays the field. So why not use the right term? Words are chosen to appease an audience. Politics has got the better of Rudd & Co.

Agree (8 people agree)
Disagree (3 people disagree)
 

21 Oct 2009 18:29 AEST

oppermann

From: karben

dr.eng.

many people claiming asylum are simply coming for use of Australias social services. The same applies to people coming to Europe -no political reasons at all - in reality big business for peolpe-smugglers

Agree (7 people agree)
Disagree (5 people disagree)
 

21 Oct 2009 18:15 AEST

Rod

From: Wollongong

It means what the words mean

Come on Sharman, this is evidence of an incompetent opposition. I am not supporting the treatment of these people, but the meaning of the words 'illegal immigrant' accurately and concisely describe these people in this context. How about you actually start suggesting alternate practical ACTIONS rather than continuing this useless criticism of implied spin.. I am a swinging voter - your behaviour here adds no value and does not encourage me to vote for you.

Agree (2 people agree)
Disagree (8 people disagree)
 

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