Category: Opinion

In calling for source countries to be helped to patrol their own waters to minimise the exit of boats, John Hewson (“Asylum policy is a disgrace”, Canberra Times2, 17 Dec 2013, p1) forgets the difference between refugees in transit through Indonesia and those suffering suppression and persecution in their own country from which they wish to escape. Here the imposition on them is designed to block all escape forcibly. Australia is providing military patrol boats for the Sri Lankan government to take this on, creating Australia’s role as that of jailer by proxy and, despite Sri Lanka’s fortress of secrecy, itContinue reading

I heard on some news program a couple of weeks ago that police were ordered to arrest people at an upcoming protest inMelbourne, I think. I thought it must have been a mistake. My son just told me that in The Age Sunday 15 12 2013, the Coalition has introduced more new statutes which of course are very open to interpretation and of course open to abuse by our politicians. My point is – and I’m one of millions wondering – how do we have our politicians charged with treason? – Michael Camilleri, Victoria Ed: You’d have to prove they didContinue reading

Wrongful convictions are not uncommon

Prof Gillian Triggs President, Australian Human Rights Commission Dear Prof Triggs, I refer to your interview on the ABC 7.30 program on December 3rd, 2013, with Sabra Lane. In that interview (Two-fingered salutes and TPVs – the asylum debate heats up) I noted your comment that:

I am aghast at the invasion into the lawyer’s office while he is at The Hague. Surely no-one is safe? It is all under the pretext of national security – no warrant, no evidence. Is there to be any concerted objection to this behaviour? Concerned citizen, Eileen Hayes

Is Campbell Newman adopting the policies of Nazi Germany?