By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

CANBERRA, Australia – The recent arrival of 138 asylum seekers to Christmas Island has caused the detention center to exceed its maximum capacity for the first time.

Afghan and Iranian asylum seekers who were on board the HMAS Melville brought the detention center’s capacity above 2040.  The center reached maximum capacity even though three charter flights were sent to Australia’s mainland in the last week.

Among the asylum seekers on board the HMAS Melville were two young Iranian girls.  The girls will be given new clothes and shoes.  They will all be subject to processing and health checks at Christmas Island.

Navy crews aboard the HMAS Larakia also intercepted another boat, thought to be carrying seventy-nine asylum seekers and four crew members.  These individuals were also brought to Christmas Island.

Officials on the Island attempted to provide space for the detainees, many of whom slept in rooms that are typically used for teaching English or conducting interviews with immigration officers.

Despite exceeding capacity, an official from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship stated that there was room for the new detainees.

Opposition leaders continue to protest Prime Minister Rudd’s policies and believe that the government must be tougher on the handling of border security.  The Opposition believes that Rudd was extremely compassionate back in 2008 which caused an influx of boats.

Tony Abbott, a Leader in the Opposition Party, stated that under the current administration, Australia is “getting three boats a week, and all records are likely to be broken this year when it comes to unauthorised arrivals”.

The Opposition Party believes that stronger measures must be implemented but  the government should not go as far as to reintroduce the Pacific Solution, under which poor Pacific Islands were used as refugee processing centers.

Furthermore, Mr. Abbott stated that these individuals “are people who have no … lawful reason to come to Australia and they should be put on the plane as quickly as possible. And in the meantime, they should be treated humanely.”

Many individuals are expected to be transferred to the Australian mainland.  These individuals will include both those who will be granted permanent visas as well as those who will be deported.

For more information please see:
Herald Sun – Christmas Island detention centre reaches asylum seeker limit – 03 April 2010

Herald Sun – Two refugee girls will be placed in Christmas Island detention centre – 03 April 2010

Sydney Morning Herald – Detention centres pushed to overflow – 02 April 2010