Fed: Qld Premier attacks tempory visa plan

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2000
Fed: Qld Premier attacks tempory visa plan

Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE has attacked a federal government plan to grant temporary
visas to illegal immigrants and bus them to Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

South Australian Premier JOHN OLSEN today revealed a federal government plan to release
more than 1,000 illegal immigrants from the state's Woomera detention centre on three-year
temporary protection visas.

Mr OLSEN says he has been advised the refugees will be given $500 and bussed to Perth,
Brisbane or Adelaide.

Mr BEATTIE says the plan is grossly irresponsible because state governments will have
to pay for the refugees.

He says the temporary migrants won't have a lot of resources and may need health care,
education, translators, housing support staff.

Mr BEATTIE says immigration is a federal government responsibility and they should pay for it.

AAP RTV bja/jhm/wz/jn

KEYWORD: ILLEGALS BEATTIE (BRISBANE)

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