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
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
