Newsletter for 28 January 2015 RAR Bellingen and Nambucca

Community Markets in Valla and Bellingen.

We are still looking for volunteers to help with our market stalls, particularly the three markets in Bellingen.  You don’t need to have any experience of doing this kind of activity, and you will always have somebody with you who is an “old hand”.  If you can manage an hour or two, that would be greatly appreciated. At our stalls, we will have a petition  to sign, a sign-up sheet to encourage people to join our supporters’ list and various leaflets which help to inform the public about the plight of asylum seekers and explain some of the myths around seeking asylum. You will be in good company and you will find that the great majority of people are sympathetic to the cause. The dates for the markets are :

 

Valla Beach:  7th February: 4th April; 6th June

Bellingen:   21st March; 16th May; 18th July.

If you can help, then please phone Mike on 6569 5419 ; John on 0447 225241; or email RAR on belingen.rar@gmail.com 

This newsletter is stored here for archive purposes. To read complete newsletter click below

Newsletter for 21 January 2015 RAR Bellingen and Nambucca

Hi Everyone

Thanks to Mary for a quick response to the recent email "situation desperate on Manus Island". 

She wrote " I thought the example letter and suggestions as to who to write to were good advice and have now started my letter writing. "

A number of emails are being received from the National RAR,  telling the story of the impact of Government action on the fate of asylum seekers and action being taken.

This newsletter is stored here for archive purposes. To read the complete newsletter click below

Ongoing correspondence with Luke Hartsuyler

From: Mike

Sent: Friday, January 16, 2015 2:40 PM

To: Luke.Hartsuyker.MP@aph.gov.au

Subject: Re: Nauru

Dear Mr Hartsuyker,

Thank you for your email of 14th January in response to my email of 7th January. 

In your email you set out, once again, the failings of the previous government’s immigration policies in contrast with what you regard as the rigorous and effective policies of your government. Unfortunately, you failed to address any of the issues which I raised with you.

My email referred specifically to the plight of refugees and asylum seekers on the island of Nauru.  I set out some of the concerns that I and many Australians have about the lives of real people, who every day of the week have to live the experience of the government’s offshore detention policies.  I asked you a number of specific questions relating to the safety and wellbeing  of refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru and I invited you to comment on the statement from Save the Children that “Nauru is not a sustainable long-term option for the resettlement of refugees”. 

I would be most grateful if you would now respond to the specific issues that I have raised with you.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Griffin 

From: Hartsuyker, Luke (MP)

Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 4:36 PM

To: 'Mike'

Subject: RE: Nauru

Dear Mr Griffin,

Thank you for your email.

The cost of the Labor’s failures on our borders over the six years was substantial in humanitarian and financial terms.  Their failed border protection policies have resulted in an environment where more than a thousand people have perished at sea.  More than 8,100 people who have been waiting offshore in desperate circumstances were also denied Australia’s protection via humanitarian visas over its final three years.  During this time, Labor's asylum budget has blown out by $10 billion.

The Coalition remains committed to the proven policies and principles we have held for a decade.  We have protected the integrity of our immigration program.  

It was the Coalition who originally enshrined human rights protections in the Migration Act under section 198A for those processed offshore.  It was the Coalition who opposed Labor’s Malaysian 5 for 1 people swap because it was an abominable deal that could not provide sufficient protections for those sent to Malaysia.  It was the Coalition who opposed the attempts to strip all protections from the Migration Act.  The Coalition’s stance was vindicated by both the High Court of Australia and again by the Houston Report, which found the Malaysia deal did not contain adequate human rights protections for those sent there.  It was the Coalition who insisted that, when Labor reopened Nauru and Manus Island, the parliament would need to approve any country used for offshore processing, to ensure appropriate human rights protections were in place. 

The Coalition has always maintained a strong border protection policy and orderly immigration system is essential to safeguard the integrity of our Humanitarian and Refugee Program.  Australia runs the most generous resettlement program per capita in the world. Less than one percent of the world’s 10 million refugees will be resettled in any one year.  The Coalition believes we should hold steadfastly to protecting the integrity of this program so that, at all times, we are in a position to decide who will get that rare chance of resettlement.  

We promised to restore the full suite of our proven policies including offshore processing in Nauru, visa reform and coastal operations where the circumstances permit.  We have fulfilled our promises to the Australian people and will continue to do so.

Thank you for taking the time to write to me with your concerns on these important matters.

Yours sincerely,

The Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP

The Nationals’ Federal Member for Cowper

Assistant Minister for Employment

From: Mike [mailto:mandm.griffin2@bigpond.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 7 January 2015 9:41 AM
To: Hartsuyker, Luke (MP)
Subject: Nauru

                                                                                              

                                                                                                Valla Beach

                                                                                               

                                                                                                7th January 2015

Dear Mr Hartsuyker,

I trust that you are enjoying a well-earned Summer break with your family and friends.

Sadly, for the asylum seekers and refugees on Nauru, their days and nights continue to be filled with fear and uncertainty as a result of the Coalition's asylum policies. We read on a regular basis, notwithstanding the government's efforts to shroud the harsh realities in secrecy, of the constant threats of physical and sexual abuse, and of violence committed against refugees now "settled" in this utterly inappropriate environment.

The Australian government, in spite of assertions to the contrary, continues to be responsible for the safety and the lives of these people.

Why should female asylum seekers and refugees feel obliged to sleep in their jeans because of their fears of rape? Why are asylum seekers and refugees fearful of reporting assaults and other abuse to security guards or to the police? How can things be so bad for refugees on Nauru that some of them have asked to be returned to the detention centre?

Save the Children is contracted by the Australian government to provide social services to refugees on Nauru.  Notwithstanding the gagging clauses in their contract, they state: "Save the Children believes that Nauru is not a sustainable, long-term option for the resettlement of humanitarian refugees."  Given this statement of the obvious, and given that punishing these people is costing the Australian taxpayer up to $5 billion per annum, will you not now begin to take some steps to respond to the voices of so many decent Australians  who believe that offshore detention should be brought to an end in 2015? Surely it should now be acknowledged  that it is time to put this ugly and shameful chapter in our history behind us.

I look forward to hearing from you.

                                                                                                Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                Mike                                                                  

Letter to Peter Dutton close Manus Island 18 January 23015

2

Sunday, January 18, 2015 11:44 AM
To: Peter.Dutton.MP@aph.gov.au
Subject: Manus Island

Dear Minister,
I am writing to request that you do all in your power to close the detention centre on Manus Island and to bring the 1035 men who are currently detained there to Australia. I am deeply troubled by recent reports which describe their desperation, self harm and hunger strikes. These are desperate people, who increasingly live in great fear for their lives.  You will be aware that it was recently reported that locals massed menacingly outside the centre and that local staff vandalised the kitchen in one of the compounds.  We are now almost at the anniversary of the terrible violence last year which left one asylum seeker dead and many more injured. It is unsurprising therefore that asylum seekers on Manus are resorting to desperate measures to bring their plight to the attention of the world.
It is a matter of record that many locals in PNG are very hostile towards the refugees. Prospects for their resettlement in PNG are therefore remote, particularly as this is a very poor country with limited services and resources for the population.
Australia has a duty under international law to ensure the safety of asylum seekers. They are our responsibility.They should therefore be transferred to Australia and have their asylum claims properly and fairly assessed. Those found requiring our protection should be offered resettlement in Australia.
I strongly object to the current costly, damaging and punitive offshore regime. Many PNG nationals and community leaders also strongly object to these arrangements which have been foisted on PNG in return for aid assistance.
We are better than this. Will you bring this ugly and shameful policy to an end?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Mike  

From: Mike

Sent: Friday, January 16, 2015 2:40 PM

To: Luke.Hartsuyker.MP@aph.gov.au

Subject: Re: Nauru

Dear Mr Hartsuyker,

Thank you for your email of 14th January in response to my email of 7th January. 

In your email you set out, once again, the failings of the previous government’s immigration policies in contrast with what you regard as the rigorous and effective policies of your government. Unfortunately, you failed to address any of the issues which I raised with you.

My email referred specifically to the plight of refugees and asylum seekers on the island of Nauru.  I set out some of the concerns that I and many Australians have about the lives of real people, who every day of the week have to live the experience of the government’s offshore detention policies.  I asked you a number of specific questions relating to the safety and wellbeing  of refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru and I invited you to comment on the statement from Save the Children that “Nauru is not a sustainable long-term option for the resettlement of refugees”. 

I would be most grateful if you would now respond to the specific issues that I have raised with you.

Yours sincerely,

Mike 

From: Hartsuyker, Luke (MP)

Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 4:36 PM

To: 'Mike'

Subject: RE: Nauru

Dear Mr Griffin,

Thank you for your email.

The cost of the Labor’s failures on our borders over the six years was substantial in humanitarian and financial terms.  Their failed border protection policies have resulted in an environment where more than a thousand people have perished at sea.  More than 8,100 people who have been waiting offshore in desperate circumstances were also denied Australia’s protection via humanitarian visas over its final three years.  During this time, Labor's asylum budget has blown out by $10 billion.

The Coalition remains committed to the proven policies and principles we have held for a decade.  We have protected the integrity of our immigration program.  

It was the Coalition who originally enshrined human rights protections in the Migration Act under section 198A for those processed offshore.  It was the Coalition who opposed Labor’s Malaysian 5 for 1 people swap because it was an abominable deal that could not provide sufficient protections for those sent to Malaysia.  It was the Coalition who opposed the attempts to strip all protections from the Migration Act.  The Coalition’s stance was vindicated by both the High Court of Australia and again by the Houston Report, which found the Malaysia deal did not contain adequate human rights protections for those sent there.  It was the Coalition who insisted that, when Labor reopened Nauru and Manus Island, the parliament would need to approve any country used for offshore processing, to ensure appropriate human rights protections were in place. 

The Coalition has always maintained a strong border protection policy and orderly immigration system is essential to safeguard the integrity of our Humanitarian and Refugee Program.  Australia runs the most generous resettlement program per capita in the world. Less than one percent of the world’s 10 million refugees will be resettled in any one year.  The Coalition believes we should hold steadfastly to protecting the integrity of this program so that, at all times, we are in a position to decide who will get that rare chance of resettlement.  

We promised to restore the full suite of our proven policies including offshore processing in Nauru, visa reform and coastal operations where the circumstances permit.  We have fulfilled our promises to the Australian people and will continue to do so.

Thank you for taking the time to write to me with your concerns on these important matters.

Yours sincerely,

The Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP

The Nationals’ Federal Member for Cowper

Assistant Minister for Employment

From: Mike [mailto:mandm.griffin2@bigpond.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 7 January 2015 9:41 AM
To: Hartsuyker, Luke (MP)
Subject: Nauru

                                                                                                                                                                                               Valla Beach

                                                                                                NSW 2448

                                                                                               

                                                                                    mandm.griffin2@bigpond.com

                                                                                                7th January 2015

Dear Mr Hartsuyker,

I trust that you are enjoying a well-earned Summer break with your family and friends.

Sadly, for the asylum seekers and refugees on Nauru, their days and nights continue to be filled with fear and uncertainty as a result of the Coalition's asylum policies. We read on a regular basis, notwithstanding the government's efforts to shroud the harsh realities in secrecy, of the constant threats of physical and sexual abuse, and of violence committed against refugees now "settled" in this utterly inappropriate environment.

The Australian government, in spite of assertions to the contrary, continues to be responsible for the safety and the lives of these people.

Why should female asylum seekers and refugees feel obliged to sleep in their jeans because of their fears of rape? Why are asylum seekers and refugees fearful of reporting assaults and other abuse to security guards or to the police? How can things be so bad for refugees on Nauru that some of them have asked to be returned to the detention centre?

Save the Children is contracted by the Australian government to provide social services to refugees on Nauru.  Notwithstanding the gagging clauses in their contract, they state: "Save the Children believes that Nauru is not a sustainable, long-term option for the resettlement of humanitarian refugees."  Given this statement of the obvious, and given that punishing these people is costing the Australian taxpayer up to $5 billion per annum, will you not now begin to take some steps to respond to the voices of so many decent Australians  who believe that offshore detention should be brought to an end in 2015? Surely it should now be acknowledged  that it is time to put this ugly and shameful chapter in our history behind us.

I look forward to hearing from you.

                                                                                                Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                Mike 

  ____________________________________________________________________________________                                                             

Christmas 2014 in Australia disrupted by border control activity

Katherine has found out why Christmas 2014  in Australia  was different

http://www.theshovel.com.au/2014/12/24/irregular-sleigh-vehicle-towed-back-to-north-pole/ >

Newsletter for 7 January 20o15 RAR Bellingen and Nambucca

Hi Everyone

Welcome to 2015, I will not say Happy New Year because it will not be a positive year for asylum seekers unless there is a change to more compassionate policies on immigration.

This newsletter is stored here for archive purposes. To read complete newsletter click below

Letter to New Minister for Immigration - Peter Dutton 3 January 2015

3rd January 2015

Dear Minister Dutton,

I trust that you are enjoying a well-earned Summer break with your family and friends.

Sadly, for the asylum seekers and refugees on Nauru, their days and nights continue to be filled with fear and uncertainty as a result of the Coalition's asylum policies. 

We read on a regular basis, notwithstanding the government's efforts to shroud the harsh realities in secrecy, of the constant threats of physical and sexual abuse, and of violence committed against refugees now "settled" in this utterly inappropriate environment.

The Australian government, in spite of assertions to the contrary, continues to be responsible for the safety and the lives of these people.

Why should female asylum seekers and refugees feel obliged to sleep in their jeans because of their fears of rape? Why are asylum seekers and refugees fearful of reporting assaults and other abuse to security guards or to the police? 

How can things be so bad for refugees on Nauru that some of them have asked to be returned to the detention centre?

Save the Children is contracted by the Australian government to provide social services to refugees on Nauru.  

Notwithstanding the gagging clauses in their contract, they state: "Save the Children believes that Nauru is not a sustainable, long-term option for the resettlement of humanitarian refugees."  

Given this statement of the obvious, and given that punishing these people is costing the Australian taxpayer up to $5billion per annum, will you not now begin to take some steps to respond to the voices of so many decent Australians  who believe that offshore detention should be brought to an end in 2015? 

Surely it should now be acknowledged  that it is time to put this ugly and shameful chapter in our history behind us.

I look forward to hearing from you.

                                                                                                Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                Mike