Today I have been involved in media activity concerning the Pontville Refugee Detention Centre.
*ABC RADIO “AM” – Anglican Bishop of Tasmania urges minister to keep detention centre open
*ULTRA106FIVE RADIO – Interview with David Wood.
*DIOCESAN MEDIA RELEASE: Friday 10th February 2012
BISHOP HARROWER CALLS FOR PONTVILLE CENTRE TO STAY OPEN
The Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, the Right Reverend John Harrower OAM, has spoken out concerning the Immigration Detention Centre at Pontville and the plans for it to close in the near future.
Bishop Harrower said, “My view is that mandatory detention should play a minimal, if any, role in refugee policy. However, if we are to have detention centres we should have centres like the one at Pontville. At Pontville detainees have been able to interact with the local community. This has benefited both the detainees and the community.
“Yesterday I spoke with the Federal Minister for Immigration, The Hon. Chris Bowen, to add my voice to the many who are calling upon him to keep the Pontville centre open.
“At the time the centre was announced the Minister was wise to place a time limit in case the centre became an unwanted burden on the community.
“The Minister should now be assured of the level of local community support.
It is more than enough to justify amending his original commitment. Those who hold him to it must ask themselves whether they are motivated by principle or politics.
“The attitude in the Pontville and Brighton community is one of acceptance and welcome. I commend the work of the members of St. Mark’s Church, Pontville, and many others who have volunteered to help and be helped by the detainees.”
Over 45 local Anglicans are among those who have indicated support for a petition calling for the Pontville Centre to say open.
MEDIA RELEASE: BISHOP HARROWER CALLS FOR PONTVILLE CENTRE TO STAY OPEN
*SOUTHERN CROSS TV interview for this evening’s News and
*EXAMINER Newspaper interview and 11 February article, Pleas on detention centre rejected.
*Please sign the PETITION – Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Australia: Keep Pontville IDC Open
In all of this media activity please keep the well-being of the refugees in the centre of your heart and mind.
