Minister Bowen,

This is a request to keep Pontville Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) open.

The initial six months has been marked by positive community engagement and local employment.

There is no inherent need to close Pontville IDC. Furthermore, closing Pontville IDC is a loss to Tasmania:

- 230 Tasmanian's will loose their jobs: a loss to local families
- 400 men lose visitor support if in a remote IDC: a loss to health and sanity 
- 1.3 million lost wages each month: a loss to Tasmanian economy

Then men in Pontville will still be subject to mandatory detention if Pontville IDC closes. That situation warrants attention and change, but can't be addressed within a week.

So this petition is simply aims to do no further harm to those directly affected:

The Tasmanian community is socially and economically enriched through the employment opportunities of Pontville IDC. Don't take this employment away from our regional economy. (Further information about local support here)

Pontville provides proximity for volunteer visitors to support the dignity and humanity of asylum seekers, the majority who are found to need protection and become fellow citizens in due course. Don't take this community engagement away from our friendly state. (Further information about our local community response can be found here)

We petition your confidence and courage to make a decision based on these facts, not fear.

We ask for and support your decision that Pontville IDC to remains open beyond February 2012. Thank you in anticipation.