Last week, I was shocked and distressed to learn that detention centre staff flying in and out of Christmas Island have put our beautiful Biloela family at risk.
Christmas Island is a remote territory with limited healthcare facilities and no intensive care unit. To protect the 1,800 residents who call this remote island their home, “essential staff” returning to the island are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
But SBS News has reported that detention centre staff who flew into Christmas Island between 18th March and 3rd April did not self-isolate for the required two weeks.
Priya, who has diabetes, says that 10 to 15 detention centre staff have come into close contact with her family every day. During one doctor’s appointment, there were eight people in a small room.
Almost a year ago, I stood side by side with human rights champion Craig Foster as we delivered our petition to bring Priya, Nades and the girls home to Biloela to the Immigration Minister.
On Q&A on Monday night, Craig Foster shared his fears for all of the vulnerable people exposed to unsafe conditions in immigration detention facilities.
As I listened to Craig, I couldn’t stop thinking about two-year-old Isabella, who was born in Melbourne’s detention centre. For 18 months, she was Kopika and Tharunicaa’s only playmate.
It is terrifying to think about what could happen if that coronavirus spread rapidly through the Melbourne detention centre where Isabella and her mum Huyen are still trapped.
That’s why I am asking you to join Craig, Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow and peak medical bodies in calling on Immigration Minister Alan Tudge to allow people held in immigration detention, who don't pose a significant security risk, to be released to safe community detention, where they can self-isolate.
Please, can you speak up for our beautiful family and the many other vulnerable people now at risk by calling Minister Alan Tudge on 02 6277 7790 now? Tap here for some tips on what to say during your call.
For everything you are doing for Priya, Nades and the girls and vulnerable people just like them - thank you.
With hope,
Angela