Letter to Minister Giles

 Sent: Friday, July 29, 2022 10:42 AM

To: 'Andrew.Giles.MP@aph.gov.au' <Andrew.Giles.MP@aph.gov.au>
Subject: Refugees on Nauru

 

Dear Minister Giles,

The election of a Labor government was  very positively received by the many Australians who have been campaigning for years for a more compassionate and humane approach to the treatment and resettlement of refugees. They have endured almost a decade of cruel and inhumane treatment which has resulted in suicide, self-harm and serious mental health issues. It’s surely time to put this shameful chapter in our history behind us.

There are currently approximately 120 refugees and asylum seekers languishing on Nauru, which is in the midst of a serious COVID outbreak.  Food and water are becoming scarce and expensive. The refugees are expected to live on an allowance of $200 a fortnight, whilst Canstruct continues to make millions from their misery. This is a terrible and completely unnecessary situation.

I urge you and your government to take immediate steps to bring this group of people to Australia, whilst arrangements for their resettlement in more generous countries can be finalised.  They can live in the community, with appropriate rights to work, education and Medicare for a tiny fraction of the $4 million per person  of taxpayers’ money that is currently squandered each year on keeping them out of sight and out of mind.

Please bring them here, and reassure them that they can remain in Australia until their resettlement arrangements are finalised.

I look forward to your positive response.

Yours sincerely,

Mike G.

Valla Beach, NSW 2448