section 501 Migration Act 1958

Route 501 – Australia’s deportation shame

Ending deportations will be the real character test for the new Labor government, writes Janet Parker.

Protesters say 'Free the 501s'

About 200 people rallied on June 26 demanding people charged under section 501 of the Migration Act 1958 be freed and allowed to stay in Australia. More than 190 people, mostly New Zealanders, have been ripped away from their families and put in prison on Christmas Island, 380 kilometres south of Java and 2650 kilometres north-west of Perth, pending deportation. The numbers are set to increase.