Refugees left out in the cold again

The report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers, chaired by Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston, is deeply disappointing and negates core human rights principles. The panel claims its report is hard-headed and realistic. In reality it does nothing to progress Australia's thinking on asylum seeking and remains firmly planted in a border protection framework. The recommendations are not based on consistent advice provided to it by expert health and welfare workers, lawyers, academics and community representatives, including many people who spoke to the Panel or provided written submissions.