FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Six weeks ago, Attorney General Nicola Roxon announced a review process for the more than 50 refugees currently detained indefinitely on Adverse Security Assessments. This process was intended to bring transparency to the ASIO security assessment process.

Yet, six weeks later, the Government has not released any information on this process. We have asked DIAC, Minister Bowen and the Attorney General Nicola Roxon for figures on the amount of cases reviewed, and whether any assessments overturned. Minister Bowen confirmed this process was ‘in place’ on October 27.

We urgently seek an update on the independent review process, specifically the amount of cases that have been reviewed to date and whether any adverse assessments were found to have been issued erroneously. The current secrecy around the process will only add further distress to these very vulnerable people, who by virtue of their refugee status are owed protection by Australia.