FED: Boat people draining food resources, says opposition

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-1999
FED: Boat people draining food resources, says opposition

CANBERRA, Aug 18 AAP - Christmas Islanders are being deprived of basic foods while the
Australian territory struggles to feed 140 Iraqi boat people who landed there on Friday, the
opposition has warned.

Labor justice spokesman Duncan Kerr said the government must immediately arrange for fresh
food to be flown in to meet the shortage.

Apart from food, Mr Kerr said the fact the sports centre which is housing the 140 detainees
had only two toilets was also of concern.

But he noted most people on Christmas Island did not want a permanent holding facility
built there.

"While it makes sense to have detention centres in remote areas, it would make more sense
to address the cause rather than the symptom," he said.

Opposition Leader Kim Beazley has said the idea of a Christmas Island detention centre had
merit.

Mr Kerr meanwhile said it was clear Australia's intelligence network in Indonesia was not
effective in disrupting the growing people-smuggling trade.

Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock has announced Australia will enlist the help of
Indonesian authorities to crack down on the trade.

The Iraqi boat people are to be taken to Port Hedland this week, despite fears the Western
Australian facility is approaching full capacity.

AAP rmm/ah/br

KEYWORD: BOAT DAYLEAD

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