After all the politicians’ crocodile tears about the deaths of asylum seekers at sea, the West Australian coroner has declared that Australia’s own rescue authorities are to blame for the deaths of at least 102 asylum seekers in June last year.
Further inquiries are likely to show that Australia is responsible for even more deaths of asylum seekers at sea. As recently as June 5 2013, another 55 people were drowned because of a lack of response by rescue authorities.
“The government has long blamed people smugglers for the deaths of asylum seekers at sea. Now it has been shown that it is the government’s own policies that are costing lives,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“There have been repeated warnings that saving lives at sea was not a priority for Border Protection authorities; that the lack of response, and the failure for Australia to take responsibility for rescue situations was needlessly costing the lives of asylum seekers.
“There have long been calls for a full inquiry to reveal the protocols and government directions to rescue authorities. Now that full inquiry must be convened before more lives are lost.
“Tony Burke is shockingly, but predictably quiet. The PNG solution is not about saving asylum seekers’ lives; it is about a shabby electoral competition with the Coalition.
“The government’s hypocrisy is starkly revealed. They could process and resettle refugees from Indonesia, but they won’t. They have cut off avenues for family reunion so more wives and families are forced onto boats because there is effective alternative.
“It is Labor’s willingness to so eagerly trample on the lives of asylum seekers that is fuelling the angry opposition to the PNG solution.”
Another rally against the PNG solution will be held in Sydney on Sunday 4 August, 2pm, Town Hall.
For more information contact Ian Rintoul mob 0417 275 713
