Minister Dutton Glories in his Cruelty

“Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has announced with apparent glee that he has deported over 1000 people in the past 15 months. No doubt he feels satisfied to have lumbered someone else with our  problems” says Michael Cope QCCL President.

Some of them will have committed serious offences, others not

Many of them will have been for all practical purposes, Australians, having been absorbed into our community.  They will be regarded by International law as Australians.

The reality is that Australians who have served their time for similar offences resume their life in the community with their families. 

“All of these people have been punished twice in violation of basic principles of our legal system.”

“I can say without knowing the details that a significant number of them despite having been punished according to law, have been sentenced again to a bleak existence without their loved ones, without income and in many cases because they can’t speak the language with no prospect of any meaningful existence in the communities to which they have been sent.”

“It is indeed ironic that our country has in a fashion returned to the practices which led to its founding.” said Mr Cope

In the QCCLs view the law ought to be amended so that:

1.                  It only applies to those convicted of crimes which would carry a penalty in Australia of two years or more jail

2.                  It does not apply to stateless persons.

3.                  It cannot apply to anyone who has lived in Australia for two years without committing a crime.

4.                  In no circumstances can a person be deported who has lived in Australia for more than 10 years.

5.                  No one who will be subject to human rights abuses can be deported.

ENDS

For further information contact Michael Cope President QCCL on 07 3223 5939 during office hours and at all times on 0432 847 154

31 August 2015