Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said the idea that asylum seekers could be hosted in the Tasmanian community would of course require Federal government support and funding.
“Tasmanians are generous people with big hearts, and this idea deserves serious consideration by the Commonwealth,” Mr McKim said.
“It would be a big boost for the state, creating jobs and economic activity while allowing Tasmanians to showcase the compassion and generosity that are core values of our people.”
“Opening our hearts and our community to asylum seekers would show governments all over the world that there is a workable alternative to simply locking up people who are guilty of nothing more than seeking a better life for themselves and their families.”
“It is pleasing to see that TasCOSS and Kevin Harkins from Unions Tasmania have also spoken positively about this proposal.”
“We are currently educating hundreds of young asylum seekers who are detained at Pontville in our government schools, which has been a real benefit to those young people and the school communities involved.”
“Tasmania already has a strong history of people fleeing war and strife in their home countries contributing economically, socially and culturally.”
“The post- second world war immigrants who helped build many of our hydro schemes, the agricultural excellence of the Hmong people, and more recently the enormous cultural contribution of our African community all attest to a positive record which we could and should build on.”
Mr McKim said that the Greens’ Party Room would assess ways to advance consideration of Mr Burnside’s proposal.
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
