Fed: Another group of immigrants approaches coast

AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2001
Fed: Another group of immigrants approaches coast

Australian Customs officials are continuing to monitor another boatload of illegal
immigrants headed for Christmas Island.

Less than a week after the biggest landing of illegal immigrants in Australia, the
latest boat has sparked fears of up to 500 people headed for the island.

But Search and Rescue spokesman BEN MITCHELL says the ferry -- which is still in Indonesian
waters -- is carrying about 80 people.

A spokeswoman for Justice and Customs Minister CHRIS ELLISON says Indonesian authorities
have put local merchant shipping on alert about the ferry.

If the boat lands at Christmas Island it will bring to more than 1,000 the number of
illegal immigrants to have landed in the past fortnight.





Meanwhile, the Senate will be focused on illegal immigrants this week with debate about
the government's efforts to cut legal options available to asylum seekers.

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK warns Australia is facing serious problems as the
number of appeals to the courts and Administrative Appeals Tribunal reached record levels.

AAP RTV sw/jtb/pc

KEYWORD: DETENTION (CANBERRA)

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