MEDIA RELEASE
IS IMMIGRATION AT THE DEPARTURE GATE?
Community anxiety over the future of the Department of Immigration has hit a new high today following reports that Canberra Airport is firming as the preferred location.
The department has been based in Belconnen since the 1970s, and has sustained many of the town centre’s shops and cafes throughout the past four decades.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton is still refusing to say whether the department’s 4,000 staff will be moved to another location.
This is despite his own deadline for a decision having passed more than a month ago.
Developing new business zones is critical for Canberra’s economy, but this shouldn’t come at the cost of our established and popular local centres.
Moving Immigration from Belconnen would leave a huge hole in the northern town centre and send many local businesses to the wall.
With rumours abounding that a decision has already been made, it is time for Peter Dutton to be straight with the Belconnen community.
Where will the Department of Immigration be based in the future? What will happen to the 4,000 staff who currently work in Belconnen? Our community deserves answers now.
WEDNESDAY, 8 APRIL 2015
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