[Greens-Media] PNG resettlement still in doubt, while refugees live in danger

Sat May 10 15:11:58 EST 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

Saturday, 10 May 2014

PNG resettlement still in doubt, while refugees live in danger

The PNG Government's claim that it will choose which refugees are allowed to resettle in their country exposes the PNG deal as a sham, the Australian Greens have said.

"Someone's not telling the truth, and I'd bet good money it's the Abbott Government's spin machine that's wilfully misleading the public," the Greens' immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"Saying that PNG will gladly resettle all of the refugees we dump on Manus Island, when that clearly isn't the case, is deeply irresponsible.

"What Scott Morrison needs to understand is that spin doesn't cut it when you're making life and death decisions for people who are fleeing war and torture.

"It's very concerning to hear PNG's Minister for Immigration say that he'll choose who is resettled in his country based on what skills they have. A genuine refugee program is about protection and saving lives, nothing else.

"With refugee status decisions already being handed down, despite there being no rigorous process in place, it's clear the PNG solution is putting lives at risk.

"The uncertainty surrounding processing and resettlement, for which the Australian Government is solely responsible, contributed directly to the tension and violence in February. It's disappointing that the Abbott Government has not learned from previous, tragic mistakes."

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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