Russell Broadbent (McMillan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I present a petition concerning asylum seekers, which has been approved by the Standing Committee on Petitions. This petition spawned a play. The play travelled from church to church right around my electorate and across South Gippsland. The best part about this story is that the play, called Stormy Waters, that was created out of the talent of Gill Heal, Jennie Deane and other members of concerned groups, is now hitting the big time. It is going to the Wesley Church in the City of Melbourne, for those that do not know what a real city is, on Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday this play will be presented at the Wesley Church. It is a great play: it has humour; it has sadness; it has a message. That message is: look after people who are under our care in this country.

The petition read as follows—

To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives

This petition of: Members of churches and other concerned residents across the electorate of McMillan and other equally concerned individuals, speaking with one voice draws to the attention of the House: Our total opposition to the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers by this and the previous Government.

We therefore ask the House to: Affirm its commitment to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951, and particularly to the humane treatment of asylum seekers.

from 492 citizens

Petition received.