An excellent short animation discrediting popular myths surrounding asylum seekers.
I hope our independent members of Federal Parliament will facilitate a more compassionate policy towards boat people by the two major political parties.
An important issue raised regarding the refugees arriving by boat is the idea of a regional processing centre.
Frank brennan argues that its viability would require a number of conditions:
- Humane detention
- Transparent, timely and fair processing
- Reasonable access for lawyers, health professionals and other support personnel
- Prompt resettlement on establishment of refugee claims
- Local community acceptance of the facility
- Avoidance of the honey pot syndrome
- Assistance to those whose asylum claims are rejected for safe and well-organised return to country of origin
Frank Brennan article, Moving forward from East Timor Solution.
Also see Christian compassion 4 boat people? and
PS Thanks to Rob Stanley for encouraging me to have a go at putting a youtube piece on the blog – and it worked! 🙂
Nice one Bishop! It’s great to have a Bishop who is truly concerned for the plight of the alien in his midst and how our country treats them.
Coincidence or otherwise? Refugee and Migrant Sunday is next Sunday… 29th August. A wonderful lead-in for the Diocese 🙂
Thanks John & Rob for that.
We looked at the topic of Asylum seekers & refugees at Youth Group a couple of weeks ago.
Will have to tell them about your blog this Friday.
Cheers James
Hey Bishop, some of us are old enough to remember the potential crisis ocaused by huge numbers of refugees leaving Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. Although Gough Whitlam personally disagreed with the Fraser led Liberal govt’s immigration policy, the Labor Government under Whitlam refused to make it a political football and took a bipartisan stance. That is the sort of statesman like leadership we need to pray for as a new federal Gov’t is formed.
Rob, thanks for the encouragement for Refugee Sunday. Trust we take the opportunity to engage well.
James, I wil be interested to hear how the youth are engaging with this vital isssue.
And thanks, Roger, for the memory of principled leadership on this issue and our need to pray for it.
This video is absolutely incorrect in EVERY point it makes. Check out my response here: http://julian.walmsley.net.au/2011/06/getup-refugee-animation/