Government Announcement on Asylum Seekers Welcomed
“The decision of the federal government to provide for release into the community of some 700 asylum seekers is a most welcomed change in stance,” said Independent Education Union of Australia Federal Secretary Chris Watt.
“It is disappointing that it took so long for this sliver of humanity to emerge and most disappointing the way that both Labor and Liberal resorted to dog-whistle politics on this issue during the recent federal election.
“The current rhetoric of both parties over-emphasizes border protection at the expense of people’s rights.
“Dr Anne Benjamin recently wrote in relation to the asylum seekers question in Australia urging politicians “to create a vision for us that is humane, just and honourable. That will take courage. It should not be reduced to simplistic tags. I challenge politicians to trust us enough to call us to our better selves.
“The IEUA calls on all federal politicians to heed the challenge to be more courageous,” said Mr Watt.
Contact:
Chris Watt
Federal Secretary Independent Education Union
Ph (02) 6273 3107 0419 259 143