28 June 2002
Justice Baragwanath's decision amounts to a free entry, open-door policy and constitutes a refusal to recognise the
imperative of border security, says National's spokesperson for Immigration, Marie Hasler.
"Justice Baragwanath has put the cart before the horse. We cannot just assume applicants for asylum are in fact genuine
refugees. This is exactly what has to be determined when these people are detained.
"Being a signatory to the United Nations refugee charter does not require us to relinquish New Zealand's sovereignty
over such a core issue as the security and defence of our country and who lives here.
"Decisions on this should be made, and only made, in accordance with the wishes of the people of New Zealand.
"New Zealand must have the power to control its own borders. It is for New Zealand, and New Zealand alone, to decide who
comes here," Ms Hasler said.
Ends