high court rules malaysian swap deal unlawful

From: AAP August 31, 2011 12:27PM

THE Federal Government's Malaysian people swap deal has been ruled unlawful by the High Court.

Chief Justice Robert French said the court ordered Immigration Minister Chris Bowen and his Department be restrained from sending asylum seekers to Malaysia.

"The declaration made ... was made without power and is invalid," Justice French said.

The Government had wanted to send 800 asylum seekers to Malaysia in exchange for 4000 already processed refugees.