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Christian Lobby congratulates SA Premier for “live odds” ban
Father Brian Lucas on the Political Spot about Catholic Bishops election statement
James Lawrence on the Political Spot about Pakistani minorities
Qld Plan Bible study notes by Wendy Francis
Lachlan Macquarie Internship
In the media – a wrap up of the last week’s commentary
For the diary – a selection of upcoming events
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As election speculation swirls, debate continues over asylum seekers.
In the wake of the change in Prime Minister two weeks ago, the Government has signalled that it may be considering some policy changes. Foreign Minister Bob Carr suggested that many people coming by boat were “economic refugees”. The implication here is that people whose need for protection from persecution may be missing out.
At the weekend the Government announced that people who deliberately destroyed their travel documents would face longer processing times. ACL has long supported off-shore processing not because refugees should be punished but because there needs to be deterrents to the evil people smuggling trade which has caused hundreds of deaths at sea.
We are also concerned for the tens of millions of displaced people in places like the Thai-Burma border, North Africa and the Middle East who are recognised as refugees by the United Nations but cannot afford tens of thousands of dollars to pay a people smuggler.
The Government’s decision last year to increase the number of refugees into Australia from 13,000 to 20,000 was a welcome move. While Australia can’t help everyone, we should be generous.
While the government is canvassing policy changes, ACL believes it should look afresh at the plight of vulnerable minorities fleeing places like Syria and Egypt who are suffering persecution because of their religion.
Often these people don’t get a fair go and a recalibrated weighting system based on assessing greatest need for protection should be considered.
God bless,
Lyle Shelton
Managing Director
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For the diary – a selection of upcoming events
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16 July – Seminar: A truly wicked problem: Dealing with the complexities, realities and impact of the refugee debate, Melbourne
26 July – Fundraiser: “Not Forgotten” – SHE Rescue, South Brisbane
7-16 August – Conversation: Life, the Universe and Nothing, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne
8 – 24 August – Vishal Mangalwadi tours Australia, nationwide
9-11 August – Conference: Fire on the Mountain, North Tamborine, Queensland
16-17 August – Colloquium: Religion in the Public Square, Melbourne
23 – 25 August – Conference: Through trial and triumph, Canberra
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