NSW: Howard shouted at by detention centre protester

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2000
NSW: Howard shouted at by detention centre protester

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has been shouted at by a man who managed to gatecrash a
private function to protest against the federal government's policy of locking up illegal
immigrants.

The protester, a member of activist group the Refugee Action Collective, burst into
a room at the New South Wales state library.

He managed to yell a few words at Mr HOWARD before he was dragged away.

Mr HOWARD later downplayed the incident, saying it was very minor breach of security.

The prime minister also remains unapologetic for Australia's policy of detaining illegal
immigrants, saying average Australians are in favour of detention camps.

During his speech, a small group of Refugee Action Collective representatives outside
could be heard chanting "Shame HOWARD".

The government has decided to hold a limited inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse
and maltreatment at south Australia's Woomera detention centre.

AAP RTV jw/sb/wz/jn

KEYWORD: HOWARD PROTESTER (SYDNEY)

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