Cabinet Papers reveal how far Howard Government went to keep asylum seekers out

Former prime minister of Australia John Howard. He served as the 25th prime minister of Australia from 1996 to 2007 Source: AFP / TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP via Getty Images
Government documents from 2002 - kept secret until now - have revealed the lengths the Howard government went to, to keep asylum seekers from reaching the Australian mainland, despite cost and human rights concerns. The cabinet papers provide rare insight into how national security concerns shaped immigration policies - many of which are still in place today.
Share