[Greens-Media] Another lifeboat in Indonesia, another breach of international law and human decency

[Schultz-Byard, Noah (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 6 February 2014

Another lifeboat in Indonesia, another breach of international law and human decency

The arrival of another Australian lifeboat on Indonesia's shores is an indictment on the Abbott Government's extreme policies and proof that people are still fleeing from war and persecution in any way that they can, the Australian Greens have said.

"When Scott Morrison says no boats are coming, it's a lie," the Greens' immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"Tony Abbott has told the Australian people that no boats are arriving, but we know that they have come with men, women and children on board. Rather than giving vulnerable families protection from war and torture, the Abbott Government is pushing them back out into the open ocean time and time again.

"Reports that there were two 18-month-old babies on the boat that Australia sent back to Indonesia are very concerning. It can never be safe to tow-back a boat with children on board.

"The Government must answer questions about their tow-back policy. Were these refugees really held on an Australian boat for over a week, as reported?

"Australia should be giving refugees a safer way to reach protection, by leading a genuine regional solution. Dramatically boosting processing capacity in the region and increasing Australia's resettlement numbers would help to give refugees in Indonesia a safer option than a dangerous boat journey."


Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760


NOAH SCHULTZ-BYARD  STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER

OFFICE OF SENATOR SARAH HANSON-YOUNG
AUSTRALIAN GREENS SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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