Hiles blasts Carr claims

Following claims by Foreign Minister Bob Carr that most refugees arriving in Australia are “economic migrants”, Dianne Hiles has reminded the Federal Government no protection claims have been processed for almost a year.

Mr Carr’s comments have raised Ms Hiles’ ire due to the suspension of the Refugee Status Determination process.

“The whole determination process has been on hold since the start of the No Advantage Regime. No protection claims have been processed since August 13, 2012,” said Ms Hiles, the Federal Greens candidate for Sydney and founder of Chill Out.

If elected, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott pledges a Coalition Government would order naval forces to turn around boats carrying asylum seekers and return them to Indonesia to safeguard Australia’s borders.

“The Coalition is creating and stoking community resentment of people seeking protection as a very effective diversion from issues that should be getting more attention, such as the lack of affordable housing and the number of families living in poverty,” said Ms Hiles.

“Being able to deal humanely with the numbers of people coming here to seek our protection should not divert resources away from the needy in our community. Throwing billions of dollars at offshore processing and indefinite detention does.”

The issue of border protection has been used for political gain in recent months as the main parties strive to secure suburban votes.

Mr Carr has demanded a “tougher, more hard-edged assessment” process for those seeking asylum in Australia.

Phil Glendenning, President of the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA), warned a turn in policy could have dire consequences for asylum seekers.

“The RCOA accepts that the return of people who do not have grounds for protection is part of the Refugee Status Determination process,” said Mr Glendenning.

“However, denying the right of asylum seekers with well-founded fears of persecution to properly outline their protection claims has serious consequences.”

Mr Carr chose the night Julia Gillard lost the leadership ballot to raise the issue of economic migrants.

A Coalition win in this year’s election has been publicised as foreshadowing a reduction in the numbers of those seeking protection reaching Australia’s shores and an increase in military presence.

“If elected we will stop the boats again, we will secure our borders and we’ll turn the boats around where possible,” said Liberal candidate for Sydney, Sean O’Connor.

“By denying permanent visas to people who arrive illegally by boat, we will guarantee places for offshore humanitarian applicants.”

Ms Hiles believes the ‘turn back the boats’ policy is hazardous and could jeopardise societal tolerance, hindering the ability to help those truly seeking protection.

“Encouraging the scapegoating of fellow human beings like this damages us all and takes our focus away from things that really need attention,” said Ms Hiles.

“It’s an old tactic – stay with ‘business as usual’ and keep people frightened rather than talk about how we could actually make their lives and our world better.”