Ruddock denies mass suicide claims from illegal immigrants

The Immigration Minister, Phillip Ruddock, has rejected claims of a possible mass suicide by illegal immigrants.

There have been reports 100 people of Middle Eastern origin at Curtin Detention Centre, near Derby, in Western Australia's north-west, are planning to take their own lives.

They are reportedly demanding their applications for asylum be processed more quickly.

But Mr Ruddock says he is unaware of any mass suicide pact.

"I know nothing which would substantiate a view that we are likely to experience a mass effort on the part of some people to take their own lives," he said.


Tension

However, the Immigration Department says there has been tension among Middle Eastern boat people at the centre but has refused to confirm or deny reports of a mass suicide threat.

A spokesman says it has been difficult to explain processing procedures to large numbers of Iraqis who have tried to enter Australia illegally.

He says the situation is also being complicated by misleading information that has been given to the Iraqis by people-smugglers.

The spokesman says the influx of boat people has led to processing times being extended and this has been complicated by many of the boat people disposing of passports and other identification.

He says the department will stand firm against threats designed to force it to deliver outcomes that are not in accordance with Australian law.


'Get out': Court

The Premier of Western Australia, Richard Court, says illegal immigrants will not improve their chances of staying in Australia by threatening suicide in detention camps.

Mr Court says he has no sympathy with those complaining, as they are here illegally, but it would be a tragedy if something happened.

"No one should commit suicide. If they don't like the place, get out," he said.

"I mean, they have made a conscious decision to illegally come into this country and they are not in a very strong position to be calling the shots."

© 2000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation