St Vincent de Paul Society ABN: 68 879 107 149 Unit 4-5 22 Thesiger Court Deakin ACT 2600 PO Box 243 Deakin West ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6202 1200 Facsimile: (02) 6285 0159
12th April 2010
Media Release
No place here for thinly veiled racism – St Vincent de Paul Society The St Vincent de Paul Society has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s recent decision on asylum seekers. “This is a far cry from the values of compassion and social justice espoused by this Government at the beginning of its term,” said Mr Syd Tutton, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council President. “Our members feel strongly that this policy reversal is a betrayal of Australia’s commitment to fairness and humanity. We are deeply disturbed by the human suffering produced by prolonged stays in detention. It is shameful that the Government is denying these asylum seekers their right to be treated with dignity,” said Mr Tutton. Dr John Falzon, National Council Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are unconvinced by the Government’s justification for this policy reversal. We are deeply saddened to see both sides of politics trying to outdo each-other in a tragic display of thinly veiled racism. We, along with all people of good-will in Australia, are angered at the spectacle of politics being played with people’s lives.” ‘In his excellent 2006 essay, “Faith in Politics”, Mr Rudd placed himself on “the side of the marginalised, the vulnerable and the oppressed.” We call on him to revisit and rescind this policy decision on the strength of this conviction.’
Contact:
Dr John Falzon
0421332247