—-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—-
February 22, 2012
Letters For Ranjini is calling upon Shadow Immigration Minister Scott Morrison to immediately apologise to the Australian refugee community for his offensive and divisive remarks regarding refugees in bridging Visas.
When asked in a doorstop interview on Thursday how an Abbott Government would handle refugees on Bridging Visas, Morrison responded with this:
‘We learnt just this week the NSW Police are now having to train officers to deal with some of the more serious consequences that can flow from people being out in the community who have poor language skills and may have a series of other issues for them personally which can present as issues for the police. Now that is something I have always been concerned about. ‘
‘Scott Morrison’s comments were clearly designed to draw a link between refugees and crime, an unsubstantiated link designed to encourage fear and suspicion, and one that is both discriminatory and offensive to the many wonderful people who come to Australia for a new life’ says Anthony Bieniak, founder of Letters For Ranjini.
‘The NSW Police training he refers to was general training for “mentally ill people from multicultural backgrounds”. Has Mr Morrison considered the impact of his comments on refugees who are trying to rebuild their lives?’
‘Mr. Morrison would do well to remember that the ‘mess’ he refers to is 20,000 human beings. 20,000 mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who are trying to create a new life for themselves. The NSW Police training he refers to was general training for “mentally ill people from multicultural backgrounds”, has he considered the impact of his comments on the vulnerable people involved? This is another awful example of the LNP trying to spread fear about refugees in order to win votes.’
‘Mr. Morrison should apologise to the Australian population for his deception, and to the refugee community for the offensive comments. Australians are tired of division and discrimination and we hope the Shadow Minister will be more welcoming of multiculturalism in the future’
CONTACT: Anthony Bieniak
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