ERC In Touch
Australia
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Dear Friends,
On a daily basis our national politics appear to be more and more intractably mired in adversarial point-scoring, while the bigger picture is sidelined. Major party responses to the High Court's Malaysia ruling have been disappointing - confirming this appraisal. ERC's response on the implications of the ruling can be read below. We strongly support the call from ACOSS (the Australian Council of Social Services) and others for the need to reframe the national asylum debate.
ERC endorses and commends to our supporters, the recent position paper prepared under the leadership of former Head of the Department of Immigration John Menadue, which calls for an asylum policy that appeals to the "better angels of our nature - not on half-truths masked as fact, or political cowardice". Mr Menadue argues that until Australia can overcome its "collective paranoia" about boat arrivals, it will be difficult to achieve sensible decision-making.
This same argument can be applied to all areas of our lives - the importance of appealing to the better angels of our nature, of recognising the bigger picture, of what is right and just. How many of our daily actions and habits override this deceivingly simple plea, and require us to step out of the status quo?
There is a lot happening around ERC and nationally in the coming weeks. For ways to get involved, see the details below, or show your support through a donation. It is only through such ongoing commitments and support that we are able to keep high the banner of hope.
Thank-you!
ERC InTouch team
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