Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, has announced as part of the 2011-12 Budget that the Federal Government of Australia will significantly increase its humanitarian intake for people in genuine need of refuge and protection.

'This is an important boost to Australia's humanitarian program and the largest since Labor was last in government in 1996. It reaffirms our commitment to providing appropriate care and support for vulnerable people in need of assistance,' Mr Bowen said.

The increase specified in the new Budget is a direct result of a ‘deal’ made between Australian and Malaysian Governments under the Regional Cooperation Framework. 

This deal is effectively a cooperative transfer agreement which will allow Australia to send 800 illegal asylum seekers who have arrived in Australia by sea to Malaysia for processing and detention. In exchange, Australia will accept and resettle 4000 legitimate refugees currently living in Malaysia. 

The deal is intended to dissuade the illegal entry into Australia. Under this arrangement, illegal immigrants who enter Australian waters will be at risk of being immediately sent to Malaysia, where they will be sent to the back of the queue for Australian Immigration processing.  

Mr. Bowen said the deal was likely to cost Australia $292 million over the next four years, and acknowledged that these figures may cause some alarm within the Australian public. He vigorously defended the Governments deal with Malaysia however, stating that it was in Australia’s best interests to participate in the scheme. 

“We're playing our part in providing refugees with protection, assisting others who are in great humanitarian need and in reuniting families. We also acknowledge the enormous contribution that refugees have made to every walk of life in our country,” he said.