Australian Democrats Dismayed by Refugees in Tents
The Australian Democrats are dismayed to hear refugees are being held in inhumane conditions and being forced to sleep in tents on Christmas Island.
Australian Democrats National President, Julia Melland, said today, "The Government is being silly about this - just bring them to the mainland! If they don't want to bring the recent arrivals, then bring the ones who have been there for a while and should be close to being approved. Or even better, approve them faster."
The Australian Democrats are concerned that the anti-asylum seeker rhetoric continues despite apparent progress and feel the Rudd Government's moves to dismantle the Pacific Solution were an attempt at playing it both ways.
"You can't be tough and humane - the two are mutually exclusive. There is nothing humane about holding people at sea or putting them in tents for long periods of time," Ms Melland said.
"If dismantling the Pacific Solution just meant holding them at Christmas Island instead of Nauru then we have failed in our humanity and yet again been hoodwinked by our Government."
The Australian Democrats are currently rebuilding the party and intend to continue their strong 30 year history of advocating for refugees and asylum seekers.
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Contact:
Julia Melland
President, Australian Democrats
Julia.melland@democrats.org.au
Tel 0431 357 585
