Keep commitment to refugees
“MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster says a visa move set to help at least 50 Swan Hill refugees risks encouraging the boat people smuggler trade” (The Guardian, February 17).
At a specially arranged gathering on December 15 last year, Anne Webster spoke at length, assisted by an interpreter, with many local refugees. She was visibly moved by the stories of their situation. She gave an emotional commitment to assist them with their visa applications.
Has she changed her commitment, now claiming the government decision to solve their status “problematic”? Will she still honour her commitment to these men and advocate on their behalf?
All these men are covered by the Albanese Government decision to offer those refugees, who arrived before the Operation Sovereign Borders legislation, the opportunity to gain a permanent visa status and importantly, to enable them to apply for family reunion.
We really hope she will do everything her power, as our MP, to assist these Swan Hill residents settle permanently in Swan Hill with their families.
Joy Jones,
Swan Hill
