Australia to change immigration detention system
Updated
![Under the changes, mandatory detention will remain for illegal immigrants and people who refuse to comply with visa conditions. [AAP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/aus_detention_aap_file.jpg "Under the changes, mandatory detention will remain for illegal immigrants and people who refuse to comply with visa conditions. [AAP]")
Under the changes, mandatory detention will remain for illegal immigrants and people who refuse to comply with visa conditions. [AAP]
Australia's immigration minister, Chris Evans, has announced sweeping changes to Australia's immigration system.
Under the changes, compulsory detention will no longer be mandatory and children will not be detained.
Senator Evans says immigrants will be held in detention centres only as a last resort and for the shortest practicable time.
He says the government's new policy will see the Department of Immigration take a risk-based approach to detention.
Senator Evans says mandatory detention will remain for illegal immigrants and people who refuse to comply with visa conditions.
Unauthorised boat arrivals at Christmas Island and Ashmore Reef, will still be subject to mandatory detention for health, identity and security checks.
