Fed: Lees says govt should do more for refugees

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2001
Fed: Lees says govt should do more for refugees

The Australian Democrats say the West Australian detention centre riot yesterday should
show the government it needs to treat refugees in a more humane way.

Two hundred detainees rioted and lit fires which destroyed at least two buildings at
the Curtin Detention Centre yesterday afternoon.

Democrats leader MEG LEES believes the way Australia is treating legitimate refugees
is appalling.

She says the government must look at how centres -- often run by contractors -- operate.

Senator LEES says there have been a number of problems in the way issues have been dealt with.

She says the issues include the reporting of problems within the detention centre,
or how people are being treated while they're there.

Senator LEES says Australia should be putting a humane face to the international community
and should be treating refugees properly.





Yesterday's riot came after similar incidents in recent months at detention centres
at both Port Hedland, also in Western Australia, and Woomera, in South Australia.

AAP RTV lm/mjm/jtb

KEYWORD: RIOT LEES (CANBERRA)

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