Fed: Five crucial senators undecided on aslym seeker laws

AAP General News (Australia)
08-11-2006
Fed: Five crucial senators undecided on aslym seeker laws

At least five crucial senators are refusing to rule out crossing the floor over the
government's tough new immigration laws.

JOHN HOWARD today conceded he's not sure the laws will make it through the Senate.

Three Liberal backbenchers yesterday set the stage for a revolt and crossed the floor
to vote with Labor against a bill designed to send all asylum seekers arriving in Australia
by boat offshore.

But the bill easily passed the lower house .. where the government has a clear majority.

In the Senate .. the coalition has a majority of just one.

Liberals JUDITH TROETH .. MARISE PAYNE and RUSSELL TROOD .. National BARNABY JOYCE
and Family First'sSTEVE FIELDING say they're still undecided.

If just two of them join forces they could have the bill thrown out.

Refugee advocates will use this weekend to pressure senators to vote against the bill.







Thirteen prominent Australians have put their name to a statement being circulated
among Senators calling on them to oppose the bill.

They include former Liberal prime minister MALCOLM FRASER .. chairman of the Melbourne
Football Club PAUL GARDNER .. scientist and 2000 Australian of the Year Sir GUSTAV NOSSAL
.. World Vision Australia's TIM COSTELLO and chairman of the Institute of Company Directors
DON MERCER.

AAP RTV shh/sb/bart

KEYWORD: MIGRATION (CANBERRA)

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