By Kyra Gillespie
Outside Jason Wood MP’s office in Berwick on a blustery Thursday morning, 12 activists stood in front of 12 empty chairs.
The chairs represented the 12 asylum seekers who have died in offshore detention facilities in the past five years.
Behind each chair were the photographs of the men who have died on Manus and Nauru, either by suicide or from inadequate medical attention.
Consisting of passionate members of the La Trobe group of the Grandmothers Against the Detention of Refugee Children, McMillian for Refugees and other standalone advocates, the group wanted to bring to Mr Wood’s attention the views held by his constituents: that Australia is letting down refugees.
“We are voicing our grave concerns about government policies which unfairly detain people both in Australia and in offshore detention on Manus and Nauru,” Margaret Edwards said.
“We abhor current policies, which compromises the well-being and safety of refugees and people seeking asylum.
“We are asking Jason to represent the best of the values of his constituents and the Australian people.”
Despite many phone calls to his diary organiser, Jason Wood was nowhere to be seen on the day of the protest – Thursday 19 July.
“We’ve all visited Jason Wood but we haven’t had a very good response from him,” Virginia Schneiders, co-convener for Grandmothers Against the Detention of Refugee Children said.
“We’ve had great feedback from the local Labor candidate Simon Curtis.
“But it’s disappointing that Jason is in a position of power to do something, yet doesn’t.”
The local activists also spent the morning handing out flyers at Berwick Station, encouraging community members to join them at the State Library on Saturday 21 July for the Melbourne Rally for Refugees.
“None of these 12 needed to die,” Peter Fleming said.
Peter spent years teaching in Tanzania.
“These people have a right to flee from war and oppression.
“What they are doing is legal – it’s Australia that is breaking international law.”
In an email response to The Gazette, Jason Wood said he supports the local efforts.
“As a local member, I am always happy to hear the concerns of my constituents,” Mr Wood said.
“Our Government didn’t put people on Nauru and Manus, but we are trying to get them off as soon as possible.
“More than 300 people have already left for the US and that process is continuing.
“Those who have been found to be owed protection should return to their country of origin.”
Mr Wood blames Labor for the atrocities taking place.
“We cannot go back to the days where we lose control of our borders like Labor did. Labor locked up thousands of children, they opened 17 detention centres and 1200 people drowned at sea.
“We have stopped the boats, removed all kids from detention, closed the 17 detention centres and stopped the drownings at sea.
“By stopping the boats, it has also meant that we can be generous to those most in need. Last financial year represented Australia’s largest offshore humanitarian intake in over 30 years with more than 22,000 places delivered through our offshore refugee and humanitarian program.”
