Nauru comes to Launceston

Christmas shoppers today (Dec 8) experienced a ‘protest’ with a difference. It was entirely silent, mobile and ‘brought Nauru to Launceston’.

Around lunchtime a group of local residents carried two large fence panels strewn with children’s shoes through city streets. Many shoppers expressed their support.

Despite widespread international condemnation and a marked change in public sentiment, Australia still has 10 children in indefinite detention on Nauru in breach of international law. Many organisations have been a part of the nation-wide #Kids Off Nauru campaign.

Today’s action was organised by a group of Christians from at least five churches. Other residents also joined in. Today was part of a long-term campaign to close down the horror of off-shore detention.

Organiser Sharon Dutton said, “It is good to see public opinion shifting on this issue. Most people are far more optimistic that Australia can be compassionate as well as protecting our borders. We had lots of expressions of support today.”

The Australian Government has promised to have all children off Nauru by Christmas.

“Children off the island is just the beginning of what is needed. We will not rest until every child is out of harm’s way,” commented participant Beavan Peel.

Pastor Jeff McKinnon, of City Baptist Church, Launceston, added, “Australia will remain in breach of international law until every man, woman and child who has been declared a refugee by UNHCR and clear by our security checks, is out detention both on an island and in Australia.”

Both sides of federal politics have thinking to do over the summer break, to determine their refugee policy heading into the 2019 election.