Statement by Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Spokesperson on Immigration and Human Rights:

"The Greens challenge the Federal Government and Coalition to do more than hype their so-called toughness on asylum-seekers, by committing to increasing the number of refugees that Australia resettles and the speed at which they are resettled.

"This week the UNHCR has called on governments like Australia to take greater responsibility for resettling refugees, not less as proposed by  Julia Gillard.

"While Julia Gillard has talked about a plan to open a regional processing centre in East Timor, the fact is that such a centre would only absolve Australia from responsibility for resettling any potential refugees who go through that process.

"In Indonesia, refugees whose claims have been accepted languish in detention for months or years because there is no country to take them. Australia accepted only 70 of these refugees in limbo last year - we should be doing far more.

"Under Julia Gillard's new plan, Australia would dump the burden for regional refugees on East Timor, a country that lacks the resources to resettle those who are approved by the UNHCR. This will only add to delays and result in more stress for people who only want safety for themselves and their families.

"The Government should be committing to bringing asylum-seekers to the Australian mainland - it would save money and make it easier to provide necessary services and support for those fleeing persecution.

"It would also confirm that Australia will not shirk either its international obligations to deal compassionately with asylum-seekers and refugees or its responsibilities to act as a regional leader.''