Labor’s spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs, Madeleine Ogilvie, has challenged the Premier to show strong leadership when it comes to asylum seekers.
“The ‘Beyond the Boats’ report released yesterday provides data that supports my call for Tasmania to play a greater role in the processing of asylum seeker claims,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“The report shows there are 2,317 asylum seekers on Nauru and in PNG, compared to the caseload in Australia which is 5,757 people in closed detention and 27,538 in community detention.
“Not only is Tasmania well placed to offer a civil and humane reception point for people on the detention islands, we have expertise in the processing of claims that could be extended to the rest of Australia.
“Tasmania has the opportunity to provide services to this sector, and this approach will create local jobs.
“Tasmania is the right choice to become Australia’s centre for the provision of refugee services, whether legal, medical, social or business.
“Pontville should be re-opened as a refugee reception centre. Initial health, security and screening could occur at the Pontville reception centre.
“The backlog of claims caused by the Government’s suspension of processing can be cleared with our expertise. Outstanding claims ought to be swiftly determined and unresolved claims cleared.
“We can do this from Tasmania, from a re-opened Pontville reception centre, but first the razor wire must come down.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Labor Spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs
