Saturday April 8, 2000Minister rejects reprieve for Kosovar family
One of three Kosovo families based in Adelaide and due to leave Australia tonight has failed in its bid for last-minute reprieve.Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock had turned down the family's application, a Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) spokesman said.
"He was considering a reprieve for one family, but the decision was in the negative," the spokesman said.
The family was still being interviewed by DIMA as late as last night, Albanian Association public officer Rauf Soulio told ABC radio.
However the family still had not heard back from the department this morning, Mr Soulio said.
The three families, comprised of 12 men, women and children, are due to leave Adelaide for Melbourne about 4pm (CST) this afternoon.