Our biggest names in entertainment have decided enough is enough and have joined the many voices demanding our politicians fly the men, women, and children still detained at Nauru and Manus Island to Australia, in a powerful call to action.
Both the Liberal and Labour government support ‘border protection’ from people smugglers and both parties share an unwillingness to change the current policy of offshore detention, this is despite the United Nations openly condemning the current detention of refugees and asylum seekers, labeling the policy ‘illegal’.
The open letter has been signed by hundreds in the industry, and among the famous names are stars like Jacki Weaver, Simon Baker, Asher Keddie, Deborra-Lee Furness, Deborah Mailman, and Benjamin Law, all asking for the end of offshore detention.
The letter is addressed to both Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and requests that the politicians support a bill independent MP Dr. Kerryn Phelps is set to introduce today.
In an accompanying video, fellow legendary Aussie actors and musicians Mia Wasikowska, Jimmy Barnes, Rebecca Gibney, Bryan Brown, Warwick Thornton, and Sam Neill call for our politicians to end the inhumane and cruel treatment of children and their families on Nauru with legendary actor Sam Neill calling the policy “barbarity.”
Alice in Wonderland actress Mia Wasikowska adds, “Enough, we’re better than this. Australia is better than this.”
Kerryn Phelps Urgent Medical Treatment Bill will allow ill men, women, and children to fly to Australia and seek medical treatment.
This comes after almost 6,000 Australian doctors signed a letter back in October, demanding children be taken off Nauru citing serious mental and physical health concerns.
Part of the letter reads, “For five long years these refugees have been detained and made an example of. Fathers, mothers, toddlers and newborn babies – living behind bars and imprisoned by the sea with no freedom in sight. The conditions are horrific. Twelve people have died during the last five years. Australia’s doctors have told us that we face the reality of more deaths if we don’t act now.”
Let’s hope our politicians vote for compassion and humanity.
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