The Refugee Action Coalition has condemned the government’s announcement of the transfer of asylum seeker families to Manus Island.
“It is a pointless and vindictive piece of political theatre. Re-opening Manus Island reveals a Minister incapable of learning the lessons of Nauru. Families are the latest sacrifices.
“While Chris Bowen tries to dress up his policy of persecution, Omid, the Iranian hunger striker on Nauru is another day closer to dying,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“There are over 7,500 asylum seekers who have arrived in Australia since the beginning of offshore processing on 13 August. By re-opening Manus Island, the Australian government is adding 17 more scapegoats to the 387 asylum seekers imprisoned on Nauru. It is even more obvious that the Minister is discriminating against asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“Shamefully, Immigration Minister again used his supposed concern about refugee lives lost at sea to divert attention away from his responsibility for the life of Omid, the 35 year old Iranian asylum seeker, dumped on Nauru and now in his 41st day of hunger strike.
“It is bad enough that asylum seekers processed in Australia will be released to live in the Australian community on bridging visas with no right to work; but those on Nauru still have no idea how long they will be condemned to remain on Nauru.
“Chris Bowen has also created his own version of temporary protection visas. The announcement today will mean that more asylum seekers will have no alternative but to get a boat to be re-united with their loved ones.
“The short sightedness of this policy cannot be overstated. Not only is the Minsiter incapable of learning the lessons of Nauru, he is incapable of understanding the lessons of the sinking of SIEV X. His crocodile tears about over asylum seekers drowning at sea are belied by the very policies he is implementing.”
Rally against Manus Island and in solidarity with Nauru hunger striker Omid
Friday, 23 November, 12.30pm; Labor Minister, Tanya Plibersek’s Office, 150 Broadway, Chippendale
For more information contact Ian Rintoul mob 0417 275 713
