Churches may host asylum seekers
ANGELA POWNALL,
May 19, 2010, 2:45 am

The Federal Government is looking at properties owned by church groups in WA to house asylum seekers spilling over from Christmas Island.

Two religious groups revealed yesterday that immigration officials visited their properties - a former agricultural college and a residential student hostel - in the Mid-West.

The properties are on the market in Tardun, 150km east of Geraldton, and have been inspected by the Immigration Department in recent weeks.

Officials have also been quietly phoning churches, asking them to nominate convents, monasteries and boarding houses where at least 100 families might stay.

The Government has already expanded the Christmas Island detention centre and last month began moving people without visas to detention in Darwin and Port Augusta.

Ray Hevern, leader of the Pallotine Fathers and Brothers in Australia, said officials had visited the former Wandalgu Aboriginal student hostel more than once.

"When the Government investigates an option like that, it would be normal, I imagine, to send out an exploratory party to see if it was worth being interested in, then follow that up with a more professional assessment," he said. "That appears to be what they are doing."

Mr Hevern said he had received no formal offer from the department. He said the organisation would be prepared to sell or lease the hostel to the Government.

Christian Brothers WA regional manager Vince Sinagara said immigration officials looked around the former Christian Brothers' Agricultural College, which closed in August 2009, about two weeks ago.

"It's a huge property with school buildings and accommodation," Mr Sinagara said. "We're looking at the possibility of selling or leasing it. The message was they would contact us in due course but we've got nothing in black or white from them as yet."

The Uniting Church in WA said it had had "general conversations" with the Federal Government about "possible alternatives for vulnerable asylum seeker families".

Christian Brothers Oceania province leader Vince Duggan confirmed the search for more accommodation on the mainland was underway.

It is understood officials were making the calls as recently as last week, seeking places for families and unaccompanied minors who sailed to Australia without parents.

The Sydney-based Josephite sister, Kathleen O'Connor, was also aware of verbal requests from officials.

A department spokesman reiterated the Government's policy pledging to keep children and families out of high security detention centres.

"The Department of Immigration has been investigating a range of private properties around Australia - including some owned by churches - as potential additional accommodation options for families and children should the need arise," he said.

"This may provide an alternative and more suitable accommodation option to the use of motels or serviced apartments, for instance."
The Opposition said failed policies had forced the Government into "billeting" asylum seekers.

I for one can't think of a better way to spend my tax than helping the worlds most vulnerable. Solving the problems before they get out of control is of cause preferable and also worthy of my tax. Since that hasn't happened, lets look after each other as best we can. Get to understand one another better and we may have a chance of less conflict.

cisco said...

Smedg said...

I for one can't think of a better way to spend my tax than helping the worlds most vulnerable.

A very worthy sentiment.

Also worthy of consideration is the concept of "How can I remove a speck from your eye when there is a log in my own?"

Cisco, to me, it just keeps sounding like you think we are worse off than them or at least that you are more concerned for our safety than theirs. Don't you think that's a bit of a double standard. Why is it you seem to think that sick people and old people are worthy of our tax dollars but not refugees?

As to those who have previously (and ignorantly) argued that refugees deserve and have brought on the condition in their home lands, that's just crazy talk. Its likely that you have made some wrongful assumptions. Firstly you have assumed they want to have been born or raised or live in war zones. Secondly you have assumed they have chosen to be at war. Thirdly you have assumed that they all think and act the same.

Smedg said...
Cisco, to me, it just keeps sounding like you think we are worse off than them or at least that you are more concerned for our safety than theirs. Don't you think that's a bit of a double standard. Why is it you seem to think that sick people and old people are worthy of our tax dollars but not refugees?

No, that is not the way I am thinking at all, so therefore not a double standard.

Yes, I am concerned for the safety and welfare of our own people before I am concerned for the safety and welfare of foreigners. Just the same as anybody would be concerned for the safety and welfare of their own family before that of a street dweller for instance.

It is just a matter of priority.

The safety and welfare of the Australian people seems to be low on the priority list of this government.

cisco said...

Smedg said...
Cisco, to me, it just keeps sounding like you think we are worse off than them or at least that you are more concerned for our safety than theirs. Don't you think that's a bit of a double standard. Why is it you seem to think that sick people and old people are worthy of our tax dollars but not refugees?

No, that is not the way I am thinking at all, so therefore not a double standard.

Yes, I am concerned for the safety and welfare of our own people before I am concerned for the safety and welfare of foreigners. Just the same as anybody would be concerned for the safety and welfare of their own family before that of a street dweller for instance.

It is just a matter of priority.

The safety and welfare of the Australian people seems to be low on the priority list of this government.

That would be because the squeeky wobbly wheel gets the oil, and the general public seem very happy for more relevant issues to their welfare, to be pushed aside, in favour of a false belief that we are not able or required to recieve asylum seekers.

Until the public demand the govt and opps focus on the real issues and stop blowing hot air about being able to stop arrivals (which they cannot now or in the future) then that is the way you want your bread buttered.


BTW - I'm not sure if you meant we are threatened by boat arrivals - but we are not in any danger from asylum seekers arriving via boat. That has long been established.

... this may be old news but it plays on my mind......this may be a little of topic but wtf is with pauline hanson .. that old ranga bitch wont sell her house to anny one not (visualy australian)...i wish some one would slap some sence into the racism mother@^*!.. who would say something like that on national tv .. i wonder what her family and friend think when she says some thing so wrong ..and she usto have some small say is this countrie ... i didnt reall all 14 pages of this tread so srry if it was already spoken about ..

Smedg said...

lots of other stuff and then;-
I think those most affected are probably most worth while listening to.

I would have to disagree on this.
People who are directly affected by a situation will always give a very biased and unrealistic view on the matter.
For instance, how about a prisoner on death row being asked for his opinion on capital punishment. Do you think his view would be that it was fair or reasonable?
I don't think so.
How about someone being caught for tax evasion and given a 10 year prison term being asked for his views on taxation policy. Do you think his view would be fair and reasonable?
I don't think so.

Anyone who is directly affected by a policy will undoubtedly give a very biased view on the subject and should therfore not be part of the decision process.

All areas of government accept this and if a vested interest in a matter is present, then that person must declare his or her interest and then be excluded from both the discussion and decisions on the matter.
Otherwise, the decision taken is seen to be biased and unfair.

Well yes, but only because they were the first things that came to mind.
It does apply to ALL decisions though.
In council matters and government matters and judicial matters
You cannot take part in discsussion of vote on matters in which you have a vested interest.
Any matters at all.

pweedas said...

Well yes, but only because they were the first things that came to mind.
It does apply to ALL decisions though.
In council matters and government matters and judicial matters
You cannot take part in discsussion of vote on matters in which you have a vested interest.
Any matters at all.

pweedas,

Perhaps we could agree that the concerns of those most effected are the most important concerns however closeness to a situation can often elicit emotional responses which tend to be less practically and logically thought through.

Seems like this make our situation complex (no surprise). Seems like it requires understanding of all those involved and effected and a concerted effort to think logically without falling victim to the effects of emotionally based or fear driven thoughts and ultimatums.

Decisions made 'for people' without thorough understanding of the views / needs of those involved is not going to be a durable solution. Aussies can hopefully understand this as we've got plenty historic eg's highlighting this.

You lot still on about this ****, and 12 pages of it

Take a bex and a good lay down, the lot of yas

The information below should be read by everyone, whether you agree to its contents, or not !!!



*** NOW, LET ME SEE IF I'VE GOT THIS RIGHT....

IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOUR.

IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.

IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT.

IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.

IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND
YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO A POLITICAL
PRISON TO ROT.

IF YOU CROSS THE AUSTRALIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET:
* A JOB,
* AN INTERPRETER,
* FREE LEGAL AID,
* A DRIVERS LICENCE,
* A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER,
* WELFARE,
* CREDIT CARDS,
* FREE EDUCATION,
* FREE HEALTH CARE,
* DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
* THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY'S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DO NOT GET ENOUGH RESPECT.

Sensationalism? Then think about just this one [not so] small aspect...
The Australian Federal Government provides the following financial assistance:-

BENEFIT AUSTRALIAN AGED PENSIONER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS/REFUGEES LIVING IN AUSTRALIA
Weekly allowance $253.00 $472.50
Weekly Spouse allowance $56.00 $472.50
Additional weekly hardship allowance $0.00 $145.00

TOTAL YEARLY BENEFIT $16,068.00 $56,680.00


If I were a refugee, why would I look for work? And the current Government is saying that 'elderly Australia' is going to put the country $100 Bn into debt in the next few years?!
Please forward to all your contacts so that we can lobby not just for an increase in the aged pension and to put the welfare of Australian pensioners first, but the welfare of refugees further down the list - well after our Defence men and women, our farmers and the average Aussie battler. After all, the average pensioner alone has paid taxes and contributed to the growth of this country for the last 40 to 60 years; a Defence member voluntarily endures hardship, prepared to give up their life to preserve the way of yours; and the farmer/battler who are the backbones of this Country and Culture - never reaches for a handout but always willing to lend a hand...
When these people rarely, if ever, speak out they are shunned, ridiculed and dismissed by the Government and barely makes a headline in the news. When refugees/immigrants speak out about repression and insensitivity to their culture in Australia, it gets widespread media coverage and quick resolution by Government bodies.

*** I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION - HAVE A GOOD DAY (AT WORK)

People smuggler gives evidence in Perth
By Lloyd Jones,
June 3, 2010, 5:30 pm

A convicted people smuggler has told a Perth court he had to pay off authorities in Indonesia when he organised boats to take asylum seekers to Australia.

The Indonesian man, whose identity has been suppressed, told the District Court on Thursday he operated as a people smuggler both to help asylum seekers and make money.

He was called as a witness in the case of Iraqi man Hadi Ahmadi, who was extradited to Australia from Indonesia on people-smuggling charges in May 2009.

Ahmadi, 34, has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges of illegally assisting more than 900 asylum seekers on four boats to reach Christmas Island between March and August 2001.

Giving evidence on Thursday, the convicted people smuggler said he saw Ahmadi many times at people smuggling meetings in Jakarta hotels and on beaches where boats were loaded with asylum seekers.

Following an application by lawyers acting for the Australian Federal Police, Judge Andrew Stavrianou suppressed publication of the convicted smuggler's name and any evidence that might identify him.

The man told the court he would book bungalows on a beach with a jetty and arrange a large boat to stand off the beach while smaller boats ferried asylum seekers out to it.

Up to 300 passengers would be loaded on the big vessels for the trip to Christmas Island or elsewhere in Australian waters, he said.

The witness, who served prison time in Australia but had his sentence cut for assisting authorities, said that when he organised people smuggling in 2000 and 2001 there were many asylum seekers wanting boats.

He said he saw Ahmadi many times at beach departure points, organising passengers he had brought there by bus.

Speaking through an interpreter, the man said such operations needed a lot of funds to cover costs "including to pay authorities to do what I have to do".

"I knew this was an illegal job and very high risk ... can you prepare a boat to go to Australia for free?"

The witness said that at the time, no one got deported and Indonesian immigration authorities didn't "give a damn about this".

"As long as they (asylum seekers) don't break the law or get in trouble, even if they overstay their visa, they can stay anywhere and walk free."

The witness said he wanted to help asylum seekers for humanitarian reasons, knowing they had fled from threats in their own countries.

He said he had pleaded guilty to people smuggling, feeling he had to take responsibility for his actions and turn his life around.

"It's a moral call that I have to settle," he told the court.
The jury trial continues and is set down for 10 weeks.

Two asylum seeker boats intercepted
June 4, 2010, 6:16 pm

Two asylum seeker boats have been intercepted in northern Australian waters within a day of each other, with the opposition claiming it shows the government's border protection policies have failed.

The second boat was stopped 10 nautical miles north of Ashmore Island at 8.37pm (AEST) on Thursday.

Initial indications are the boat was carrying 54 asylum seekers and three crew, Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said.

HMAS Maryborough members boarded that vessel only 25 hours after it was involved in the interception of another entry vessel 127 nautical miles southwest of Ashmore Island.

The first boat, intercepted on Wednesday night, was carrying 28 asylum seekers and two crew.

Both boats take the tally of asylum seekers vessels intercepted in Australian waters this year to 60.

Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison said the two boats were proof that the government's border protection policies were "a rolled gold bucket of failure".

"Two boats arriving in one day as the Rudd government moves 750 asylum seekers to the mainland shows the chaos of Labor's failed immigration and border protection policies," Mr Morrison said in a statement.

The coalition has promised to reintroduce temporary protection visas, which Labor scrapped in August 2008.

The latest passengers will be taken to Christmas Island for health, security and identity checks to confirm their nationalities.
In April, the government announced it would suspend the applications of Sri Lankan asylum seekers for three months and delay by six months the processing for people from Afghanistan.

Timmaayyy !!

Leonora asylum camp 'could hold 200'
MALCOLM QUEKETT and YOLANDA ZAW,
June 7, 2010, 2:30 pm




Up to 200 asylum seekers could eventually be moved from Christmas Island to Leonora, the Federal Government revealed today as the first group of 87 boarded flights expected to land this afternoon.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the first group of Sri Lankan, Afghan and Iranian asylum seekers will stay at the temporary accommodation for three to six months while they are processed.

With Christmas Island reaching capacity Senator Evans said the Government was looking for other locations across Australia to house asylum seekers.

He said the former mining camp, which has had extra accommodation installed, could be used to hold up to 200 asylum seekers.

"We have no plans for expansion at the moment but there is capacity for 150-200 maximum," Senator Evans said.

He said 300 male asylum seekers would be sent to Curtin detention centre in Derby over the next two weeks.

An Immigration Department spokesperson said the first group of asylum seekers to arrive in Leonora were from 21 family groups.

They boarded two flights from Christmas Island this morning and were due to arrive in Leonora about 4pm.

They would be met at Leonora airport and taken by bus to the reactivated mining camp where they will be accommodated.

When they have settled in it is expected they will be allowed into the town under escort.

This morning a green screen was visible between dongas inside the central compound, about 80 metres inside the facility' outer fence.

Meanwhile, the detention centre on Christmas Island is soon expected to exceed its design capacity of 2500.

Four boat loads of asylum seekers were intercepted between Wednesday and Saturday, meaning there are still about 180 boat people to be ferried to Christmas Island for processing.
There are 2428 asylum seekers on Christmas Island and the new arrivals will take the centre well above its capacity.