Climate Refugees – Peter Green
Violence in our speech – John Brew
Refugee policy – Peter Green
For Professor Jane McAdam of the University of New South Wales, the narrow definition of “refugee” neglects “climate change refugees”, being focused on a person’s having a well-founded fear of persecution in his or her home country. Residents of Pacific micro nations like Tuvalu and Kiribati, or the lower-lying areas of Bangladesh, face statelessness, as rising sea levels inexorably consume their land. New Zealand has created a special Pacific Access category to allow 75 people from each of Tuvalu and Kiribati to move annually to New Zealand as permanent residents. It is time for Australia to act.
- Peter Green
Years ago there was a sign near Redfern Station which said “What you eat today walks and talks tomorrow”. A modern equivalent would be “What you see on the ’tele’ today behaves and talks tomorrow”. At a time when it’s been necessary to have an enquiry into domestic violence it’s a pity that our politicians use pugilistic phrases such as “Bring it on!” and “Make my day!” It is to be hoped that visitors and the international community do not believe what they hear. How much better in our so-called ‘Christian’ country for our national leaders to “negotiate” and “reach consensus”.
- John Brew
The Government’s intention to keep would-be refugees from drowning relies on ill-conceived legal structures. It is the organisers who profit hugely from their clients’ misery, not illiterate peasant fishermen paid a hundred or so dollars as crew. Too often they barely grasp the project until they are underway. Yet it is they who face a mandatory three year term at a cost of perhaps half a million taxpayer dollars, while a mere handful of the organisers get caught. This system gives the appearance of action, victimises victims, and ignores the real problem. As Christians, let’s not forget the victims of myopic policies.
- Peter Green