Yesterday, I went to one of the many rallies for a Tamil family who've been denied refuge (or politically thrown under the bus, take your pick) and are being deported quite viciously back to Sri Lanka.
Priya and Nades lived for four years in a little Queensland community, giving birth to two daughters, raising them in the community, and being involved at every level that they could - working, volunteering, making friends with the people around them.
Eighteen months ago, our version of Border Patrol came for them. They were taken away at dawn to a 'center' where they were more or less left to rot - to be forgotten by the Australian people so they could safely be deported back to Sri Lanka, which is hostile to Tamils at best, and lethal to them at worst.
This is a story that we've seen played out in the US a great deal lately - but it's also happening here in Australia.
The rally yesterday was both to stand in solidarity with the Biloela family (Priya, Nades, Kopika, and Thaarunica) and to mobilise people to act before the final judgement on their removal happens this week.
If you're Australian, and you have time, spoons, and heart for this, there are three offices you can contact, by phone or email, all the way to Wednesday.
PM Scott Morrison - on Friday his parliamentary voicemail was full (2 6271 5111), so also considering calling his electorate office on 02 9523 0339. You can also contact the office of the PM by form - however you'll have to leave your name, email, and street address, which can be confronting.
Also:
Peter Dutton (02) 9523 0339
David Coleman on (02) 9771 3400
You will reach an office worker who'll take your phone call. Be polite, state that you're calling about the Biloela family (Priya, Nades, and their two Australian-born daughters) and how they should be returned into their community and refuge granted to them by special dispensation of the minister. They should only need your name and postcode.
Priya and Nades lived for four years in a little Queensland community, giving birth to two daughters, raising them in the community, and being involved at every level that they could - working, volunteering, making friends with the people around them.
Eighteen months ago, our version of Border Patrol came for them. They were taken away at dawn to a 'center' where they were more or less left to rot - to be forgotten by the Australian people so they could safely be deported back to Sri Lanka, which is hostile to Tamils at best, and lethal to them at worst.
This is a story that we've seen played out in the US a great deal lately - but it's also happening here in Australia.
The rally yesterday was both to stand in solidarity with the Biloela family (Priya, Nades, Kopika, and Thaarunica) and to mobilise people to act before the final judgement on their removal happens this week.
If you're Australian, and you have time, spoons, and heart for this, there are three offices you can contact, by phone or email, all the way to Wednesday.
PM Scott Morrison - on Friday his parliamentary voicemail was full (2 6271 5111), so also considering calling his electorate office on 02 9523 0339. You can also contact the office of the PM by form - however you'll have to leave your name, email, and street address, which can be confronting.
Also:
Peter Dutton (02) 9523 0339
David Coleman on (02) 9771 3400
You will reach an office worker who'll take your phone call. Be polite, state that you're calling about the Biloela family (Priya, Nades, and their two Australian-born daughters) and how they should be returned into their community and refuge granted to them by special dispensation of the minister. They should only need your name and postcode.
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