[Greens-Media] Morrison blames Manus victims after repeatedly ignoring warnings

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

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, 26 May 2014

Morrison blames Manus victims after repeatedly ignoring warnings

The Immigration Minister has shamefully used a whitewash report into the brutal attacks on the Manus Island detention camp to blame the victims for the violence, the Australian Greens have said.

"Scott Morrison's attempt to blame the victims of this violent attack is shameful," the Greens' immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"Criticising the very people who had their throats slit by machetes while they ran for their lives was deceitful and grotesquely insensitive.

"The Immigration Minister is desperately trying to blame anyone but himself, even though responsibility for what happened that night falls squarely at his feet. This report makes it clear that Scott Morrison should resign as the Minister for Immigration.

"The Abbott Government repeatedly ignored warnings from service providers on the island about rising tensions and a lack of security but, tragically, those concerns were ignored.

"During the attacks, refugees were left to defend themselves against a machete and shotgun wielding mob and some were forced to barter for their lives. The Australian Government cannot keep people safe on Manus Island and the centre must be shut down immediately.

"The fact that people who carried out the attacks may still be working inside the centre shows just how disinterested the government is when it comes to the safety of refugees in their care.

"The Greens' Senate inquiry into the violence will find the actual truth about that night's vicious attacks."


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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