Fed: Senate rejects border laws, PM warns on Tampa

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2001
Fed: Senate rejects border laws, PM warns on Tampa

The Senate has rejected government attempts to strengthen border patrol laws which
opponents labelled unconstitutional.

Labor, the Australian Democrats and Greens have combined to reject the laws introduced
by the government in response to the plight of the Norwegian registered Tampa and its
human cargo of 438 asylum seekers.

In a debate that continued until 2am this morning, the government failed in its attempt
to fast-track the laws.

The Border Protection Bill would have given extra legal protection to yesterday's boarding
of the Tampa by crack commandos.

Labor Senate leader JOHN FAULKNER says the government's proposed laws are so badly
written and so overarching, it may have allowed Australian Customs officers to shoot the
captain of a ship.

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says the government has acted legally so far, but needs
extra protection to guarantee against any doubts.

Mr HOWARD has reaffirmed his determination to stop the Tampa landing in Australia.



The Tampa is still in Australian waters but under the control of Special Air Service
members who boarded the ship yesterday afternoon.

Norway's Foreign Affairs Minister THORBJOERN JAGLAND says it appears Australia is breaching
humanity conventions and the international law of the sea.

He's told Norway public radio that he will report Australia's actions to human rights
authorities including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

AAP RTV sw/psm/

KEYWORD: BOAT (CANBERRA)

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