Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, upon notice, on 9 September 2011:

With reference to the riots on Christmas Island in March 2011:

(1) How many people were identified as being organisers or participants in the riots and for each of those people identified:

  (a) how many were arrested as a result of taking part in these riots; and

  (b) how many were charged with criminal offences as a result of taking part in these riots.

(2) In relation to each person charged with a criminal offence, how many:

  (a) have been convicted of a criminal offence;

  (b) have been found guilty of a criminal offence but not convicted;

  (c) have been found not guilty of a criminal offence;

  (d) have had any charges withdrawn or otherwise not proceeded with;

  (e) are still awaiting the finalisation of criminal proceedings;

  (f) have had asylum claims processed and determined in Australia; and

  (g) are still awaiting determination of their asylum claims.

(3) In relation to each person charged with a criminal offence who have had asylum claims processed and determined in Australia, how many have been:

  (a) accepted as asylum seekers;

  (b) rejected as not being asylum seekers;

  (c) rejected on character grounds not relating to the riots in March 2011; and

  (d) rejected on character grounds relating to the riots in March 2011.

(4) In relation to each person charged with a criminal offence who are still awaiting determination of their asylum claims, how many are:

  (a) currently in immigration detention on Christmas Island;

  (b) currently within a detention centre in Australia;

  (c) currently in community detention;

  (d) currently settled in Australia; and

  (e) no longer in Australia.

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

DIAC does not hold this information, however advice was sought from the AFP and they have provided the following responses:

(1) 22 people were identified as being participants or organisers in the riots.

  (a) 22 were arrested.

  (b) 22 were charged with various offences under Commonwealth and Western Australian State legislation.

(2) All 22 individuals were scheduled to appear in court on 12 October 2011.

Any further questions relating to these matters should be addressed to the Minister for Home Affairs and Justice.

(3) No decisions will be made on these 22 individuals until all criminal proceedings are finalised.

(4) Of these 22 clients: