By BRIDGET SCOTT
Government’s asylum seeker policy slammed
THE death of a 23-year-old asylum seeker prompted big action from residents of La Trobe who protested outside Federal Member Jason Woods’ office last week.
Around a dozen people gathered outside the office on the corner of Langmore Lane, but Mr Woods was nowhere to be seen.
The protest came about after Rezi Berati from Iran was killed in Papua New Guinea last week, and this group wants answers.
It was alleged by members of the group that the Australian Government failed this young man.
The group also called for the closure of the detention centres on Manus Island and in Nauru, and demanded an independent inquiry into the death.
Berwick resident Mikaela Rate was among those protesting, and said it were events such as these that gave people the chance to voice what they believed in.
“I think this is a good way to express how we feel and how ashamed we are of the way they’re treated,” she said.
“I’ve always been passionate about the issue, but never had the chance to show it like we have today.”
Another Berwick resident Glenys Kerley compared the detention centres to that of concentration camps.
“I am here today because I came from Liverpool in England and was born shortly after World War II,” she said.
“My parents told me what they went through, and I see what’s happening to the asylum seekers as similar treatment.”
Ms Kerley said she believed that the government’s behaviour and treatment of asylum seekers was illegal.
“We’ve signed agreements to say they can seek asylum and now we are stopping them,” she said.
Mr Wood said he offered his condolences following the death of the young man and said it was the government’s responsibility to stop the people smuggling trade coming to Australia.
“The government expresses its great regret, sympathy and condolences regarding the tragic death of Mr Barati and the injuries as a result of the events that took place at Manus Island on the night of 17 February,” he said.
“Comprehensive investigations are already underway into the events on Manus Island including Papua New Guinea police and coronial inquiries, and a full independent inquiry that has been initiated by the government.”
He said the current government would do all it could to prevent a recurrence of events such as the one where 1100 people died under the previous government’s policies that saw over 800 boats arrive.
“The steps this government is taking on our borders to prevent illegal boat arrivals are to ensure that those deaths also do not continue.”
“Those deaths were as tragic as the death that occurred on Manus Island.”
Before the protest finished last Thursday, the group also signed a card which would be sent to the man’s family in Iran, and delivered documents to Mr Wood’s office which detailed Australia’s obligations to asylum seekers.
Jane Thomas from Belgrave organised the protest and spoke to the group outside Mr Wood’s office. She said she got the word out via social media and said she felt strongly about the issue.
“I am very sad and upset about the fact that this young man came looking for help and ended up being killed in detention centre,” she said.
“I think we should welcome them and not send them off to Papa New Guinea.”
