Go to ninemsn.com.au
Explore ninemsn
 
Go to ninemsn.com.au - Advertise with us  

Ninemsn News at your
fingertips - anywhere,
anytime. More

Rehame Search
Want more news? Search Rehame's database of more than 1 million radio and TV transcripts.
National
  7:09 pm AEST February 27 2000
40 more boatpeople sent back to China
AAP -- Another 40 Chinese boat people were sent back to China this weekend as part of a successful program of returning illegal arrivals, Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock said today.

He said the government had achieved outstanding results in returning boat people who had arrived illegally from China.

"The removal of another 40 boat people this weekend demonstrates the government's commitment to removing people who have no right to remain in Australia," Mr Ruddock said in a statement.

"In the past four years, 1,452 boat people have arrived illegally from China and 1,447 of those have been returned home.

"These returns underscore the strong relationship and cooperation that exists between the Australian and Chinese governments and shows the futility of undertaking such a perilous journey.

"It also shows a joint commitment in the crackdown on the people smuggling trade."

Mr Ruddock said these returns should send a clear message that if people believed lies peddled by people smugglers they would pay the price when they were sent home to a possible lifetime of debt.

He said people smugglers now faced up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to $220,000.

Unauthorised arrivals who proved their refugee status would now be granted only a three-year temporary protection visa instead of permanent residence.

Immigration and Customs officers now had the power to board and detain boats in international waters if the boats were suspected of being involved in people smuggling.
For the latest news ...
Watch the National Nine News lead story.See the video at 28.8k or 56k. Requires Mediaplayer
Do you think John Howard is committed to the idea of aboriginal reconciliation?
Previous vote results.
Yes
No
Don't miss former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett as he turns cub reporter for 60 minutes.
Chat with our GST expert 8am every Sunday; join our discussion room; and get your facts from our new GST Guide.

The rising number of 'fallen angels' in the stockmarket is starting to look ominous, with perhaps the biggest fall experienced by Coca Cola Amatil...

Like to lose some weight? Find out how the stars of the channel 9 show,  "The Weighting Game" did it!

Click for the latest news from the Australian technology industry. Video Low or High or Audio.

Sunday Online is currently being rebuilt. Keep an eye out for our new improved site! Meanwhile you can read about this award winning show and its reporters.

About us  About ninemsn - Y2K Compliancy Statement - Advertise with us - Quick tour - Feedback - Help - Rated by RSACI
© 1997-99 ninemsn Pty Ltd - All rights reserved - Terms of use - Privacy policy  TOP