“Why the Bloody Hell Did You Come Here?” (says Australia, to Asylum Seekers)

These people have escaped persecution to find themselves in a country that officially does not want them.

Asylum seekers arrive at Christmas Island on a small flat boat, wearing life jackets, kneeling in a line and being escorted by what appear to be immigration staff.A retired friend of mine has recently become involved in efforts to help newly-released asylum seekers in Sydney. He wrote the email below to myself and a few others. It is a damning assessment, from people on the ground, of how the Australian government is treating people in need. I’m publishing it here because I think it is important for people to know what this government (as well as the main party trying to replace them) is doing in our name. Continue reading