Ruth Halbert
artist, weaver
Paper boat Rud.jpg

Blog: Dear Prime Minister

On July 30 2016 I started writing letters to the Prime Minister of Australia to protest against the imprisonment and torture of the asylum seekers in the offshore detention centres of Manus Island and Nauru. I started with the intention of writing a letter a day for every person in detention until they are all freed. There are more than 1800 asylum seekers in off shore detention. These are those letters and any response from Mr Turnbull.

Letters to Tyranny #60

It is now urgent that the Australian Government takes responsibility for the men detained by arrangement of Australia on Manus Island.  The final part of the document reads:

As this document produced by the PNG government says: "There has been no change to Australia's regional processing policy following the announcement that the Manus RPC will close. ... No-one will be settled in Australia." Nor Malaysia, nor New Zealand, despite their offers because of Australia's meanness. And it is apparent that Papua New Guinea cannot provide the support and services the refugees need, let alone accommodation or employment.

There are many thousands of Australians who are desperate to help and support these men and welcome them into their communities. Act now to prevent any further harm being done and to finally accept what has always been Australia's responsibility. It could have been our honour and now it is our shame.

Bring them here

Ruth Halbert

politicsRuth HalbertManus Island, bringthemhere, refugeesComment