The Tasmanian Greens today (Wed) initiated a debate in the House of Assembly calling for the Federal Immigration Minister to commit to reopening the Pontville Detention Centre, to facilitate humane processing of asylum seekers and to support the local economy.
The Greens Member for Lyons Tim Morris MP said it was disappointing that the Liberal Party had reverted to dog-whistle politics, by refusing to show tripartisan support for the humane treatment of asylum seekers at a model facility such as Pontville, nor to acknowledge the economic value of the centre to a regional economy.
“The Greens believe that asylum seekers should have their applications processed without delays and while they are housed in the community rather than in detention centres,” Mr Morris said.
“But while mandatory detention remains Federal Government policy, the Pontville Detention Centre offers one of the most humane models available in the country.”
“It’s unfortunate that the Liberals chose not to stand with the Greens and Labor supporting the centre’s continued operation, especially considering their claims about the need for more jobs.”
“The Pontville Detention Centre employed more than 240 people directly and was a major and valuable economic contribution to the community and local businesses.”
“It would seem that Will Hodgman and his colleagues are taking their orders from Senator Eric Abetz and his extremely regressive attitudes toward refugees.”
“Despite the national shame of mandatory detention being foisted on us under John Howard, Senator Eric Abetz made numerous statements against the opening of the Pontville Detention Centre, demonised the people who were to be detained and passed such references as ‘illegal immigrants’.”
“Given all the Liberals posturing about jobs in the forestry sector, which has been shedding thousands of jobs in recent years, I am extremely surprised that they vote against 240 jobs for Tasmania.”
“The investment has been made, the community has accepted the detention facility and social benefits of multicultural environment, and can see the compassion which these people, as equals, deserve,” Mr Morris said.
