A bill to abolish mandatory detention of asylum seekers and refugees is introduced to Parliament

The Human Rights Law Centre has welcomed a private member's bill that would abolish mandatory detention of asylum seekers and refugees. Independent M-P Andrew Wilkie introduced the bill to parliament, which would provide community-based alternatives to detention.

Federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie has used parliamentary privilege to reveal a spy-turned-whistleblower and his lawyer have been charged. Source: AAP

 

The Human Rights Law Centre has welcomed a private member's bill that would abolish mandatory detention of asylum seekers and refugees

Independent M-P Andrew Wilkie introduced the bill to parliament, which would provide community-based alternatives to detention

The legislation would require all asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru be brought to Australia.

Human Rights Law Centre Executive Director Hugh de Kretser says if passed the bill would be a positive step forward.

Mr Wilkie says the bill would establish an "Asia Pacific Asylum Seeker Solution" framework. 

has told parliament, asylum seekers must only be kept in detention in Australia - and for the shortest time possible.