THE ALP Caucus and cabinet decision to undermine the High Court’s ruling and allow offshore processing for asylum seekers is a “disappointing one”, according to the Australian Lawyers Alliance.

In the caucus meeting today, the Labor leadership won support from the NSW Right and ALP Left to restore offshore processing

Australian Lawyers Alliance national president Greg Barns said: ” The High Court clearly said that Australia had obligations to ensure the safety and security of asylum seekers who were sent to third countries.

“The decision by the ALP, which the Coalition parties will support, means that the lives of asylum seekers will be in danger.

“It will mean that Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Nauru will not have to legislate or establish practices which will mean that asylum seekers are not discriminated against, denied access to health care and subjected to arbitrary punishment.

“What the Gillard Government and the Abbott-led Opposition parties are saying is that Australia does not take seriously its obligations as a member of the international community to ensure asylum seekers have their human rights protected.”