Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens' Leader
Premier Hodgman has failed compassionate Tasmanians by remaining silent about the human rights emergency unfolding on Manus Island.
In Question Time today, the Tasmanian Greens called on the Premier to speak up for the men on Manus, and make a representation to the Acting Prime Minister, Julie Bishop, condemning Immigration Minister Peter Dutton’s inhumanity and demanding the Australian Government take responsibility for the welfare of the desperate men on Manus Island.
There are now more than 600 desperate asylum seekers without secure shelter, food, water, medical treatments and safety. They are in great fear of attacks by angry Manus residents, and are now without any Australian Government protection.
Minister Dutton has repeatedly demonised and mischaracterised these men, and continues to deceive Australians about the reality of their circumstances. His racism and antagonism towards the rights of asylum seekers apparently knows no bounds.
Tasmanian Greens’ Senator, Nick McKim, is on Manus Island, bearing witness to this disgraceful, shameful denial of our national responsibility for the welfare of these men. If our Liberal Premier has any heart for the plight of traumatized refugees, he will make a stand to his federal colleagues.
A strong leader would do that.