Fed: Ethnic group against prooposal for refugees to pick fruit

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2000
Fed: Ethnic group against prooposal for refugees to pick fruit

The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Council of Australia says a proposal to send
illegal immigrants to work as fruit pickers is nothing but a money-grabbing exercise to
make refugees pay for their own jails.

FECCA chairman RANDOLPH ALWIS says the suggestion, put forward by farmers facing a
chronic shortage of harvest labour, is disturbing.

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK has said the government will consider the proposal,
but will need to examine it thoroughly before making a decision.

Opposition immigration spokesman CON SCIACCA says the scheme would place at risk Australia's
policy of mandatory detention of illegal immigrants.

Mr ALWIS says FECCA strongly opposes such a scheme.

AAP RTV daw/mfh/wz

KEYWORD: BOAT PICK (CANBERRA)

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