The Tasmanian Greens have today written to the new Prime Minister Tony Abbott, seeking the Coalition’s in-principle support for a proposal to make Tasmania an asylum seeker haven.
Greens Leader Nick McKim said Greens MPs had agreed to explore the proposal put forward by Julian Burnside QC to host asylum seekers in the Tasmanian community, after an initial risk assessment.
Mr McKim said he had also written to the Premier Lara Giddings and the Liberal Leader Will Hodgman seeking their support for a tripartisan approach on the issue.
“This proposal is certainly worth developing further, which is why I have written to the Prime Minister, the Premier and the State Opposition Leader seeking their in-principle support,” Mr McKim said.
“Tasmania has a proud history of assisting displaced persons from all over the world, who have all made massive economic and cultural contributions to our state.”
“Refugees have brought massive benefits to this country, and we nothing to fear and everything to gain by welcoming them into our community.”
“After the Second World War, Tasmanians opened their arms to Europe’s displaced people, who became a treasured part of our community and who helped to build many of our hydro electric schemes.”
“More recently, the Hmong people, the African community, the Kosavar refuges have all received an outpouring of support and love from the Tasmanian community.”
“Our current refugee processing system is extremely costly in human and economic terms.”
“Tasmania can lead the way by adopting a commonsense and caring approach to treating vulnerable people who arrive in Australia from around the world.”
Download letters:
Sep17_Letter_Prime_Minister_Tony_Abbott_N_McKim_ATTACH.pdf
Sep17_Letter_to_Liberal_Leader_Will_Hodgman_N_McKim_ATTACH.pdf
Sep17_Letterto_Premier_Lara_Giddings_ATTACH.pdf
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
