Archived Media Release
Minister For Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP

11 October 2010

Australian Immigration Minister to Engage with Regional Partners on Border Protection and People Smuggling

Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, will depart Australia today to visit Indonesia, Malaysia and East Timor to continue discussions regarding a regional approach to irregular migration.

Mr Bowen said the Australian Government is committed to strong cooperation with regional neighbours on people smuggling and border security issues.

“Indonesia, Malaysia and East Timor are key partners for Australia and our governments are committed to close, practical working relationships,” Mr Bowen said.

“This will be an important opportunity to discuss our mutual interest in enhanced cooperation to address issues surrounding people smuggling and irregular migration in our region.

“I’m keen to talk to our neighbours about a sustainable Regional Protection Framework as part of the visit.

“A Framework involving our regional partners is the most effective way to holistically address irregular migration in the region and to remove the incentive for people to undertake the dangerous sea voyages that put lives at risk.

“The Framework would include developing a comprehensive approach to the processing of asylum seekers with the cooperation of regional partners and relevant international organisations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

“Our focus must be on building sustainable, lasting solutions to the problem of people smuggling with our regional partners and key international organisations.”

The meetings in East Timor will discuss the potential for East Timor to play a role in the proposed Regional Protection Framework, including the possible establishment of a Regional Processing Centre in East Timor.

In addition, the Minister will also meet with representatives of the UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration and other key stakeholders during the trip.

“What differentiates this Government’s approach from our current Opposition’s position on border protection and people smuggling is our commitment to engaging both with our region and the international community. Importantly, we recognise that the challenges we face are regional and global in their scope,” Mr Bowen said.

“I appreciate the positive engagement from East Timor, Indonesia, and Malaysia on these issues and I look forward to the opportunity to meet with more of our regional neighbours shortly to further discussions on a Regional Protection Framework.”

Media Contact – James Cullen +61 409 719 879 / Laura Stevens +61 432 833 769