With the number of illegal immigrants on a high, the detention centre at the Christmas Island is on its way to expansion. According to the Australian Greens, the Australian Federal Government should transfer all these refugees to the country’s mainland.

This comment was made after the announcement regarding the expansion was made by Chris Evans, the Australian Immigration Minister. As per the announcement, the detention centre which at present can hold around eighteen hundred refugees would be expanded to cater to around twenty two to twenty three hundred people at a time. This amend is to be brought about within the few coming weeks.

According to Sarah Hanson Young who is the spokesperson for the Greens, these immigrants should be brought to the mainland Australia where in faster processing could be done for these people. Also, they would be treated a bit more humanely. She also mentioned that inspite of the government claiming to handle more refugees in the centre; it is catering to crowds beyond its capacity.

Ms. Young feels that the government should now maintain stringency where it matters and not on innocent people who have come to Australia search of better life.

On the other hand, Senator Evans also mentioned that there is a detention facility at Darwin which has another five hundred beds that could be used for this purpose. This could be used incase the inflow of asylum seekers is constant and goes beyond the limit at the Christmas Island facility. Also, dongas and tents are being sent to cater to the additional influx of people which has caused much of the dismay.

As of now in 2010, a total of eleven unauthorized boats have landed at the shores of Australia.