This has never been more urgent. Asylum seekers and other people held in MITA detention are literally trapped in the middle of a Melbourne COVID-19 hotspot. Today, the Ombudsman finally recommended that the Government reduced the number of detainees in these centres.
There is a simple solution to this potentially life-threatening situation: get these people out of detention where they cannot be properly protected from COVID-19, and send them to homes in Australia.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman seems to agree, today finally recommending that the department "works with the relevant ministers to reduce the numbers of people held in immigration detention facilities."
Please, Isabella is just a child. She should be in her family home, with her parents who can keep her safe from COVID. Right now, can you pick up the phone and politely request Acting Immigration Minister, Alan Tudge MP, step up and protect her?
Phone number: +61 2 6277 7790
Script (remember to stay respectful and polite at all times):
Hello, I'm one of 55,000 people who have signed a petition to release immigration detainees from centres due to COVID-19. I am extremely concerned that the MITA detention centre is within the Broadmeadows area, a current hotspot. I urge Minister Tudge to listen to the advice of the Commonwealth Ombudsman and immediately reduce the number of people held in this immigration detention facility, particularly two-year-old Isabella, who has spent her entire life in detention. Thank you.
Thank you. Now more than ever, we can use our united voices to help Isabella, Huyen, and other immigration detainees.
Alison Battisson
Director Principal, Human Rights For All