Gillard, Gusmao in refugee talks

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is forging ahead with her plan to establish a regional
refugee processing hub in East Timor, discussing the issue with her counterpart
Xanana Gusmao.
The development comes as Labor faces pressure over overcrowding in immigration
detention centres after a detainee reportedly committed suicide at the Villawood
centre in Sydney on Monday.
Ms Gillard on Wednesday told Mr Gusmao her government remained committed to a strong
and close partnership with East Timor, including on working towards a regional
response to the asylum seeker issue.
Australia looked forward to ongoing discussion with East Timor about a regional
protection framework to combat irregular migration and the establishment of a
regional processing centre, she told Mr Gusmao.
Plans are now in train for Immigration Minister Chris Bowen to travel to East Timor
in the near future to discuss the regional processing centre.
Mr Gusmao agreed to the visit in response to a suggestion from Ms Gillard.
Mr Gusmao told the prime minister that he looked forward to working with Australia
and also invited Ms Gillard to visit East Timor.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact
Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).