AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2001
WA: Residents pleased boatpeople turned away
Christmas Island locals say they're worried about their health and security and are
relieved a boatload of more than 430 asylum seekers has been turned away from the island.
Businessman PHIL OAKLEY says unauthorised arrivals are usually housed just 20 metres
from residents, who are concerned about security issues and possible health risks.
The federal government today refused a Norwegian merchant ship entry to Australian
waters after it rescued the occupants of a sinking fishing boat in Indonesian waters overnight.
The ship's captain had planned to take the boatpeople to nearby Christmas Island until
he was refused permission by the Australian government.
Mr OAKLEY says the island has had enough of asylum seekers after airlifting out the
last arrivals only yesterday.
He says the 1,500 locals are starting to feel swamped after a total of 851 boatpeople
arrived at Christmas Island this month.
AAP RTV alm/sd/jh/rp 8
KEYWORD: BOAT RESIDENTS (PERTH)
2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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