Gillard to decide on Lankans

27 June 2010 02:05 am

Australia’s new Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she is going to make a decision on refugee claims from Sri Lankan asylum seekers within the next two weeks. Former Australian Premier Kevin Rudd froze refugee claims from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

A review of the freeze on Sri Lankan asylum claims is due on July 8 and Prime Minister Julia Gillard told the Australian media today that she will make a decision on Sri Lanka before that date.

“So I’ve got a decision to make about that, and I'll have more to say about these matters before that due date of 8 July,” she said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard further noted that she believes Australia needs to honour its obligations to people who are genuine refugees, and honour what she thinks is an Australian value about care and concern for children.

“I don't think Australians want to see innocent children behind razor wire, whatever decisions their parents may or may not have taken.  Whatever people think about those decisions, the kids didn't make those decisions, and they deserve the best of our care and concern,” she told the Australian media today. (Daily Mirror online)