Labor Senators’ Additional Comments
1.1
The Bill is intended to establish an independent statutory office of
Guardian for Unaccompanied Non-citizen Children (the Guardian) to advocate on
behalf of non-citizen children who arrive in Australia or Australian external
territories to seek humanitarian protection, who are unaccompanied by their
parents or another responsible adult.
1.2
Many of the submitters believe there is a conflict of interest under the
current system, pointing to the conflict of interest between the Minister as
guardian of unaccompanied children in detention centres and the Minister as the
decision maker on the outcome of these children’s visas.
1.3
Labor Senators retain an open mind to any improvements that can be made
to the system to ensure proper safeguards are in place to protect the wellbeing
and best interests of children seeking protection. Labor Senators therefore
support further exploration of the matters explored in the Bill.
Senator Sue
Lines Senator Catryna Bilyk
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