The Wire

The government has today offered a slightly softened stance to it’s hardline approach on the detention of immigrants. Two days of intense speculation ended with Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone’s announcement of plans to legislate for a new bridging visa, providing community release and limited supports to a small number of long-term detainees. Prime Minister John Howard says it doesn’t mean there will be a change to the policy of mandatory detention. The Refugee Council’s Margaret Piper offers qualified supprot for some aspects of the move.