Today, Australians sent to Christmas Island for quarantine begin returning to their homes and communities.
On the weekend, I was touched to hear Perth musician Joe share his story of meeting Priya, Nades and their QLD-born girls on Christmas Island.
I’ve never met Joe. But it was hard to hear his voice break with emotion as he described meeting our beautiful family for the first time.
“They were really lovely, hospitable people,” Joe said.
Under Australian law, Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge or Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton could step in and bring this family home for any reason they choose.
Mr Dutton has personally used this power around 1,000 times per year.
But instead of listening to the 265,000 people who have signed this petition, he is forcing Australian-born, two-year-old Tharunicaa to fight his unfair system in the courts.
On Friday morning, as a full hearing for Tharunicaa’s case begins, supporters will gather for peaceful vigils outside the Federal Court in Melbourne and the Department of Home Affairs in Sydney. Please let you me know you can make it by tapping through to these facebook events:
Melbourne: www.facebook.com/events/185311466031473
Sydney: www.facebook.com/events/939112416864248
Most people are shocked when they learn that the courts have no power to bring Tharunicaa and her family home to Biloela.
The very best they can do is send the decision back to the officials implementing Mr Dutton’s unfair immigration system.
That’s why I need your help. Today, can you please take a minute to tap through to our action page and politely ask your Senators to contact Minister Tudge on behalf of this family?
With hope,
Angela