Gerry Hand

[2] Gerry Hand was the immigration minister who, in 1992, introduced the controversial policy of mandatory detention for illegal arrivals and asylum seekers.

I believe it is crucial that all persons who come to Australia without prior authorisation not be released into the community.

The Government is determined that a clear signal be sent that migration to Australia may not be achieved by simply arriving in this country and expecting to be allowed into the community.

[3]After retiring from politics in 1993, Hand represented Australia before the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and a round table discussion on refugees organised by the Government of Thailand.

[4] In 1995, the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Robert Ray, suggested Hand as a possible replacement to Barry Jones as President of the ALP but this suggestion never eventuated.