Vanstone to probe Ervin claims
Wednesday 9 July, 1997 (7:38pm AEST)
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Acting Federal Immigration Minister Amanda
Vanstone is hopeful former Black Panther and
convicted hijacker, Lorenzo Ervin, will be deported
on Friday.

She said the episode does highlight flaws in the
immigration system.

The minister said she has not heard claims by Mr
Ervin's lawyer that he was mishandled by
immigration officials, but will make inquiries.

Senator Vanstone said she has refused two visa
applications made by Mr Ervin during the last day. 

Federal Independent Member for Kalgoorlie Graeme
Campbell has called on the government not to deport
Mr Ervin.

Mr Campbell says he supports the 1986 comments by
former Labor Immigration Minister, Chris Hurford,
that the rights of Australians to hear different points
of view should be defended, even if the views would be
rejected by reasonable people.

Mr Campbell says Australians should be prepared to
hear and critically evaluate what Mr Ervin has to say
about Aborigines and race relations generally.