Fed: Ruddock accused of making secret payments

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Fed: Ruddock accused of making secret payments

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK has been accused of making secret payments to asylum seekers.

Labor says leaked documents reveal the Immigration Department has entered a secretdeal with Afghan asylum seekers in offshore detention centres to pay them $1,000 to returnhome.

Opposition immigration spokeswoman JULIA GILLARD has tabled a minute in parliamentfrom the Immigration Department asking Mr RUDDOCK to provide the money -- but not to publiciseit.

The minute says the department was seeking up to $1,000 for each Afghan who did notaccept a reintegration package available last year, but who now wants to return to Afghanistanwith the International Organisation for Migration's help.

Ms GILLARD says the minute proves Mr RUDDOCK has been caught covering up payments toasylum seekers.

Mr RUDDOCK's told parliament he hasn't seen the minute, but has indicated he'd supportsuch a proposal.

The minister's spokesman says it'd be cheaper for taxpayers to pay the $1,000 thankeep funding asylum seekers in detention on the Pacific island of Nauru and in Papua NewGuinea.

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KEYWORD: DETENTION (CANBERRA)