The Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania Asylum Seeker Network today called on the Tasmanian Government to support the proposed move of offshore processing of asylum seekers to Tasmania.
Earlier this week the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce called on the Federal Government to move asylum seekers from Manus Island and Nauru to Tasmania.
The Executive Director of Churches of Christ Community Care, Paul Arnott, said such a change would not only put an end to the huge financial burden of processing Asylum Seekers on Manus Island and Nauru, but would also be a major boost to Tasmania’s lagging economy. While we continue to oppose mandatory detention we believe that asylum seekers will be safer and better cared for on shore in Tasmania.’
He said, ‘Tasmania had a great track record of caring for asylum seekers following the use of the Pontville Detention centre for Kosovar refugees. Most important of all, a Tasmanian Processing Centre would provide asylum seekers, most of whom are already traumatised, with a far more humane place to live than Manus Island or Nauru.’
The Tasmanian Premier, Will Hodgman has said he is against the proposal.
Mr Arnott said, ‘I am puzzled by the lack of enthusiasm for the establishment of a large offshore processing centre at Pontville on the part of the Tasmanian Government, as it would be a very positive thing for Tasmania and for those seeking asylum in Australia. It could also help to restore Australia’s reputation overseas as a result of our cruel treatment of asylum seekers. It sounds like a win-win to me.’
