No money, no food: PNG refugees can’t wait another week
Refugee Action Coalition Media Release
PNG refugees have been left without income, food vouchers for at least the last two weeks – in some cases longer.
Some have had their power cut because they cannot afford to pay for electricity. Transport has been cut. Medical appointments at PIH (Pacific International Hospital) now have to be paid for, but refugees have no money.
Citi Boutique, which houses around 24 refugees, has also announced a 10.00pm to 6.00am curfew on refugees. But there are fears that an announced inspection of premises is a prelude to more threat of eviction.
The Chief Migration Officer Stanis Hulahau (himself facing corruption allegations) issued a statement on 25 October saying the cuts in services “… are temporary in nature”. But refugees cannot wait another day, let alone another week.
“The situation is dire and requires urgent action,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition, “Income, food vouchers and services are needed immediately.
“Home Affairs minister, Clare O’Neil must act to end the crisis; to provide emergency funding, and immediately arrange for the refugees still in PNG to be brought to Australia where their welfare and safety can be guaranteed.”
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4 comments
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JulianP
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New England Cocky
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Terence Mills
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JulianP
Return to home pageWTF is going on here?
Time to bring the legal refugees to mainland Australia, give them any necessary medical assistance, provide shelter, language education and access to jobs. This inhumane jailing policy has to end NOW!!
As the author would be aware 1923 asylum seekers in PNG and on Manus Island mounted a class action against the coalition government after it was determined by the PNG courts that such detention in PNG was unconstitutional. The action succeeded to the extent that Immigration Minister and head of Border Force [ a man now masquerading as leader of the opposition ] decided not to contest the matter.
The settlement in favour of the 1923 asylum seekers was $70 million and the federal government paid all associated legal costs in addition. Accordingly each of the claimants should have received around $36,000.
Whilst their continued confinement is unacceptable and they do remain Australia’s responsibility but, the important question that needs to be answered is, did they receive their compensation and, as they are still unable to leave PNG could punitive damages be awarded ?
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/court-approves-70-million-compensation-payout-to-manus-island-detainees-20170906-gybpjy.html
Thanks NEC and TM. That clarifies the matter considerably.