Christmas Island detention centre preparing housing ahead of High Court offshore decision

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says preparations are underway to accommodate more asylum seekers at Christmas Island in case the Government loses a High Court case against offshore detention.

 They have told the High Court that the Federal Government is in control of the centre, despite its operating under Nauruan law.

Mr Dutton said he was confident that the Federal Government was in a strong legal position.

He told Sky News that the High Court was expected to deliver its finding next year, but the Department of Immigration and Border Protection had already started planning in case of a loss.

"It's prudent for my department ... to put in place contingency arrangements," he said.

"If we needed to accommodate more people on Christmas Island, there is some prep work that is taking place there now."

Human Rights Law Centre legal advocacy director and one of the lawyers involved in the case, Daniel Webb, said a win for their client could have significant implications for the Federal Government.

But Mr Webb told the ABC he did not know whether a win would result in an end to offshore detention.

"The questions involved in this case, about the lawfulness of our government's role in detaining people in other countries, they really strike at the core of the current offshore arrangements," he said.

"The answers to those questions, it is fair to say, will have significant implications going forward."

Mr Webb said he was not surprised by the Government's actions on Christmas Island, citing previous measures such as the transition to an open centre on Nauru on the eve of the court hearing.

While the High Court finishes sitting this week, and will not return until February, Mr Webb said a finding could be delivered at any time.

Further detail has been sought from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says preparations are underway to accommodate more asylum seekers at Christmas Island in case the Government loses a High Court case against offshore detention. - See more at: http://australiaplus.com/pacific/2015-12-06/christmas-island-detention-centre-preparing-housing-ahead-of-high-court-offshore-decision/1522724#sthash.CiuwKSs4.dpuf

Why do Australians celebrate Christmas in July?

Ever heard of a celebration called Christmas in July? It happens in Australia during the middle of winter and it is in addition to the real Christmas in December. Confused? We explain what it's all about.
Is Christmas celebrated twice a year in Australia?

 
No, the real Christmas only happens once a year - on 25 December. In Australia it's a national public holiday and people observe the day with friends and family, coming together to swap presents and enjoy good food and drink.

It can be hot and humid during December, which is in the middle of summer in Australia. So Christmas is celebrated differently here compared to the northern hemisphere, where it's the middle of winter.

In Australia it's more likely we'll have beer on the beach, rather than mulled wine and markets, which is what happens in Europe. The food eaten here will also be lighter, with seafood a popular choice.


So why is there also a Christmas celebration during July?


Australia has British and European heritage, so there's a strong attachment to the tradition of celebrating Christmas in cold weather. That's why there's 'Christmas in July', which is also known as Yulefest or Yuletide in Australia.

July is generally the coldest month of winter, so celebrations emulate the atmosphere of the northern hemisphere winter. So that means hearty food like roasts, and warm drinks in front of fireplaces and bonfires.

Christmas in July does not replace the real Christmas in December, and is enjoyed as an extra celebration. It's not an official holiday and it's not celebrated by everyone, but its popularity is growing.

Read:  Ruth Macklin's experience of Christmas in July on ABC Open


Where does the concept come from?


The phrase 'Christmas in July' is also found in other countries in the southern hemisphere like New Zealand and South Africa.

There was a Hollywood movie called Christmas in July (1940). However, the film is not believed to be the origin of the phrase's use in Australia, which seems to date from around the late 1970s to the early 1980s.

No one seems to know for sure where the concept comes from, but it's rumoured to have originated with a small group of people creating the occasion in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.

Most of Australia doesn’t receive snow during July so most Christmas in July celebrations occur without it.

There’s been a cold snap this year which has led to weird, wonderful weather in Australia so there's much more snow fall than usual. For example, it's currently snowing in the Blue Mountains, which is adding to the celebrations by creating a cosy atmosphere.

But at some celebrations such as Sovereign Hill's Christmas in July, fake snow was required. Sovereign Hill is an open air museum in Victoria which depicts Australia's gold rush era of the 1850s.  It's a popular tourist attraction that's recently introduced 'Christmas in July' into its annual program.

The celebration is mainly used as an excuse for people to have private gatherings with family and friends, but it's also used as a reason for public events and ticketed functions.

Christmas in July is increasingly being used for commercial purposes, like this display of trees in Sydney’s Pitt Street mall this year. Aside from the festive decor, hot coffee and warm popcorn were served for free to encourage people to go shopping.