Letter to Minister Andrews - Subject: The Biloela family

 To: 'karen.andrews.MP@aph.gov.au' <karen.andrews.MP@aph.gov.au>

Dear Minister Andrews,

Congratulations on your appointment to the position of Minister for Home Affairs. I wish you well in your new role.

Like many Australians, I am hopeful that your appointment will allow the government to reset its tone and its actions in relation to asylum seekers and refugees. For too long, we have used them for political purposes in a way that has been hugely detrimental to their wellbeing and welfare, and seriously damaging to our international reputation.

Now, therefore, would be a good time to release Nades, Priya and their children from detention on Christmas Island, and to allow them to return to their home in Biloela, where the community will welcome them with open arms. Regardless of the negative findings in relation to their application for a visa to remain in Australia, I would urge you to exercise the powers invested in you to release them on humanitarian grounds , a decision which would be widely welcomed. It would demonstrate that you, as the new Minister, are listening to the people and that you are prepared to take the necessary action to bring this shameful episode to an end.

I look forward to a positive response.

Yours sincerely,

Mike ...,

NSW 2448