Very disappointed to share this message from Simon Crean, the first ALP member to support indefinite detention.

Dear Ms (name removed), 

Australia accepts about 13 750 refugees and others in humanitarian need each year under the Humanitarian Program. The majority are selected for resettlement from tens of thousands of overseas applicants, who have fled persecution from their country of origin and waited years in refugee camps for a solution to their plight.

As advised in my email of 24 January 2013 it is Government policy, which I support, to detain irregular maritime arrivals (IMAs) who are subject to adverse security assessments by the Australia Security Intelligence Organisation.

IMAs who are found to be owed protection are accepted under the Humanitarian Program and are provided with the same entitlements as any other newly arrived refugee.

Yours sincerely 

Simon Crean