Friends, a temporary court order stopping the politicians from forcing Priya, Nades and the girls from Australia to danger runs out tomorrow.
Tomorrow, can you join a peaceful vigil to show hope, love and support for Priya, Nades and the girls?
If you are in Melbourne, please gather at the Federal Court on the cnr La Trobe and William St at 10am tomorrow (Wednesday).
(If you would like to attend the hearing itself, it is very important to observe courtroom etiquette.)
Tomorrow, I invite our Sydney friends to join the locals encouraging Immigration Minister Coleman to use his legislated power to bring Priya, Nades and the girls home to Biloela.
These wonderful, compassionate people have been holding a peaceful vigil at Mr Coleman’s electorate office every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for four weeks. They’ll be there again tomorrow.
If you can, please meet them in the park opposite Mr Coleman’s office at 22 Revesby Place, Revesby at 11am tomorrow (Wednesday).
I don’t know what will happen in court tomorrow. But I do know that in Sri Lanka, Priya saw soldiers burn her fiance to death. Nades still carries shrapnel from a government bomb.
And I know that under Australia’s immigration laws, no court has the power to assess the dangers Priya, Nades and their Queensland-born girls face if forced from Australia to war-torn Sri Lanka. The courts can only rule on whether officials have followed the procedures designed by politicians.
If you’re like me, you might be feeling shocked or angry about the way some politicians are trying to turn neighbour against neighbour. You may be upset about the lies and hatred being spread.
Whether you are joining a peaceful vigil, ringing your MP or sharing the truth on social media, I ask you to continue in a spirit of care and respect for everyone, including our politicians and those who have been misinformed.
For Priya, Nade and the girls - let’s keep leading with love.
Always hopeful,
Angela
PS if you're in Sydney, some amazing musicians are putting on a #HomeToBilo benefit gig tomorrow night (Wednesday). Click here to learn more