Currently, the proposed reform for Australia's immigration law and program is creating headlines in the region. Under a new bill proposed by the Howard government, asylum seekers as well as women and children would have their entry processed offshore. Previously, the Australian government has sent
many asylum seekers to detention centers in Nauru as well as in Manus, which is a PNG Island. Australia operated under a rule known as the Pacific Solution.
Needless to say, the proposed immigration reform is strongly opposed by some officials of the government. According to them, the new bill violates a ban, which excludes women and children from being placed in detention centers. Last weekend, Australian Prime Minister
John Howard had to defend anew the proposed immigration reform. Meanwhile, Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone has continued to fight opposition, which comes from many of the government officials. She also moved the schedule of the voting twice due to the disputes. Ms. Vanstone said that she was still in the process of negotiating with opposing officials as regards the government's plans to reform the immigration law. Meanwhile, a senate inquiry has advised the government not to proceed with the plan. The PM though has intervened recently in order to pacify arguments among legislators.
