Hardline Howard stands firm

2003-10-02 14:16

Sydney - Australian Prime Minister John Howard insisted on Thursday that the government's hardline stance on asylum seekers would not change, as a court suggested locking up their children might be illegal.

"There will be no change of policy in any of those areas," Howard said in a radio interview.

Howard praised the role played by controversial former immigration minister Philip Ruddock, the man at the centre of the long-running row, who was this week promoted to attorney general.

Ruddock had done a "magnificent job" as immigration minister, Howard said.

Howard's words came as Australia's top court considered whether a ruling in August by a lower court to release five children of asylum seekers was legal.

The government has challenged the ruling, saying the court exceeded its powers. It argues that powers to detain for the purposes of removal apply equally to adults and children.

The High Court judge hearing the case said on Wednesday it was necessary to determine whether the question of imprisoning the children of asylum seekers represented a violation of the constitution.

A campaigner for asylum seekers said the comments appeared to back up their long-held views, that the government had a legal obligation to look after all children in Australia.

"I have always believed that it is a question of constitutionality," said Marion Le, of the Independent Council for Refugee Advocacy.

- AFP