International Solidarity

Union leader pledges support for asylum seekers

Ms Burrow told the well attended Melbourne rally, oganised by the newly formed National Anti-Deportation Alliance(NADA), that workers and
community groups should join together to fight for a 'decent Australia'.

"We make this commitment. If it takes direct action we will makes sure these people stay in Australia. We have members in airports
and other industries that can help prevent these people being returned potentially violent and uncertain circumstances.

"Philip Ruddock and John Howard don't care what happens to these people. The union movement believe refugees are welcome in Australia. We will keep fighting until we can hold our heads high again in the international community," Ms Burrow said.

NADA representative Andrea Maksimovic said that the rally was the first of many protest actions that aimed at stopping the Federal Government's
brutal treatment of asylum seekers.

Ms Maksimovic said that asylum seekers faced the inhumane prospect of being forcibly removed from Australia, in some cases being sedated,
gagged and sent back to countries where their personal safety could not be guaranteed.

"Thousands of people given temporary protection visas held out the faint hope that they would be given the chance to start new lives
only to be told now that they are being sent back to places it is not even safe for Australian's to travel to," she said.

It was heartening to hear that the unions were behind the campaign Ms Maksimovic said.

© 2001 Community & Public Sector Union - State Public Services Federation (CPSU-SPSF) - National Office

http://www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au/campaigns/corr_services/20030529_137.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005