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.

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