[Greens-Media] Australia must apologise to Indonesia for refugee arrogance

Thu Nov 20 11:34:08 EST 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Australia must apologise to Indonesia for refugee arrogance

Following criticism from Indonesian officials, The Abbott government should apologise and reverse its cruel and xenophobic refugee ban, the Australian Greens have said.

"This was a dangerous mistake and, in the long run, it will cost lives," the Greens' immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"The Abbott government needs to apologise to Indonesia and reverse this senseless decision. The arrogance of the Australian government in telling our neighbours to deal with the refugee crisis alone is breathtaking.

"The government's real agenda has been exposed. This isn't about resettling genuine refugees the 'right way', it's about choosing who gets help and who gets left behind.

"Australia should be leading a genuine, collaborative solution based on processing and resettling refugees, not slamming the door in people's faces.

"Stopping families from fleeing war and reaching safety in Australia is not the answer and will have disastrous consequences.

"Australia has the capacity to be a world leader on caring for refugees but, because of the Abbott government's obsession with cruelty, we are lagging far behind."

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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