Detention downunder: New directions in the detention of asylum seekers in Australia

The detention of asylum seekers has been a key feature of Australia¿s contemporary response to asylum seekers. In particular, the length and conditions of detention which drew criticism have been a significant aspect of political debate in Australia for more than a decade. In August 2008, the Rudd government announced a new detention model aimed at overturning the former long-term mandatory detention model. After providing an overview of Australia¿s detention regime and the human rights implications of long-term mandatory detention, this paper discusses the new directions in detention announced by the Rudd Labor Government in August 2008. The government is to be commended on its policies which abolish long-term mandatory detention. The paper then discusses areas which as yet lack clarity including detainees¿ appeal rights and details of alternatives to detention.