Where does Peter Dutton get his ideas from – or are they prompts?
Having watched and listened to him (reluctantly) during the time of this government, I can’t believe he could come up with anything original – unless he does have one area of expertise: fear mongering.
Regardless, the responsibility for his abhorrent remarks must be sheeted home to our ever-so-civilised, urbane prime minister and both major parties share the blame for the instigation and continuation of the current asylum-seeker policy, – the incredible cruelty, the international shame and the enormous expense (of our money).
We have been led to believe it is too difficult to change (and too electorally challenging) but of course there are alternatives, as suggested by human rights organisations and espoused by the Greens (thank heaven we have one party we can vote for with good conscience).
Meanwhile, not everyone realises how bad the situation is for that group of asylum seekers allowed to stay in this country on temporary visas and under very restrictive conditions – not allowed to work or receive benefits so one wonders how on earth they survive.
The Ballina Region for Refugees ([email protected]) tries to help and has two fundraisers currently planned – one a musical and the other an informative documentary ‘Chasing Asylum’.
We’d love a good turnout so for more information either contact them, as above, or me on 6687 2478.
Jenny Coman, Bangalow
Jenny,
I firmly believe that if the leader of the LNP took a firmer stance and corrected Peter Dutton this may have blown over, however Peter’s past comments have made him out to be a fool and racist… see letter sent to Malcolm Turnbull today:
Dear Malcolm,
The LNP is an embarrassment to all refugees who have been illiterate and poverty stricken, however look at what they have done!
You have sold your soul to be the leader of the LNP and you have lost all credibility in doing so… no you will not see any vote going your party direction whatsoever!
To suggest that it is a cost to the tax payer of refugees coming into Australia is leading up the same path as the movement, ‘reclaim Australia’ which is blatantly racist, period.
Do you remember the intake of refugees post 2nd World War and do you remember these refugees arriving at Bonegilla to be transferred to either working on The Snowy Mountain Hydro-Electric Scheme or to places like Ingham in the sugarcane industry and other agricultural areas of Australia?
Adaptation was quick, second generations learnt to speak and write in English and transfer this knowledge to their parents. The Vietnamese were capable of a transition into our country and it was your LNP that allowed for the asylum seekers to become Australian citizens.
Myself, I’m second generation and served in the military and am now 67YO and as a veteran, under your LNP I served in Vietnam to ensure that the people we were protecting receive a better life than that of the aggressor. What has happened to our humanities… why do we still join forces with our allies to ensure that countries find a better outcome for freedom and democracy when your members of parliament do not share this same view, but blatantly are racists?
Your LNP is a disgrace but you are the worse of the LNP who has sold their soul to receive the crown of leadership… but the crown is that of thorns!