Evan JonesThis weekend we sent the following email to several candidates in our electorate, Ryan, as well as several other QLD politicians from all parties.
Dear Mr Jones
We'd like to get in touch with you to ask for your comment on Mr Kevin
Andrews' recent comments regarding African migrants to Australia. As a
candidate in the upcoming election and as an individual, how do you feel
about his comments?
Evan Jones, Greens candidate for Ryan responds thusly:
Dear Gameli,
I hope you are well.
In regards to your question, I am appalled and sickened by Mr Andrews racist comments regarding the conduct of the Sudanese community in Australia.
I work in Stones Corner where there are a relatively large number of Sudanese refugees. I have never noticed any antisocial behaviour and, unless you count the kids playing football, I have certainty never seen any gangs.
Further more, police reports in the media have vindicated the Sudanese community from any abnormal trends.
I am also perplexed at the introduction the non-humanitarian consideration of 'integration' to the refugee intake process.
There is a humanitarian disaster in Darfur, and the plight of the refugees coming from that region is extreme. This is reason to commit more strongly to assisting in what ways we can, not a reason to pull back from our human responsibility.
Australia is a wealthy country, well able to afford to be more compassionate. We also have a rich tradition of multi-culturalism. What ever political gains the government thinks it can get by selling xenophobia I trust that the majority of Australia will not buy into it.
Yours,
Evan Jones
Australian Greens
Ryan
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