Fed: Bartlett disappointed by ruling on detention of children

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2004
Fed: Bartlett disappointed by ruling on detention of children

The Australian Democrats say a High Court decision shows that the Immigration Department
has the power to carry out institutionalised child abuse.

The High Court has overruled a Family Court order to release five siblings from an
immigration detention centre.

The siblings are aged between seven and 15 and were freed from South Australia's Baxter
detention centre in August last year. They're now living in Adelaide.

Democrats Leader ANDREW BARTLETT has urged the government not to return the children
to detention.

He says the South Australian government should examine what options it has under state
child protection laws to ensure the children's welfare.

AAP RTV pj/mj/rp

KEYWORD: DETENTION DEMOCRATS (CANBERRA)

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