Baxter Convergers Label Vanstone "Unfair"
... well actually, a little bit more than that
On Wednesday 23rd March a contingent of nearly 100 people will set off from Perth on a journey of thousands of
kilometres to the national Easter convergence at Baxter Detention Centre in South Australia to protest at the mandatory
detention of asylum seekers.
"We are disappointed with Ms Vanstone and her labeling of protestors planning to visit her house as 'unfair'," stated
Nicola Paris, one of the Baxter attendees.
"If Amanda Vanstone was the supposedly self described 'sweetie' as was referred to in a recent article perhaps she might
think it was more than a little unfair to lock people up without charge or trial for up to seven years. In fact, many
compassionate people in Australia may well agree with the notion that Australia has breached human rights conventions on
a massive scale by even building a monstrosity like Baxter with the intention of locking up innocent men, women and
children," said Ms Paris.
The Perth convergence group will set off from Perth at 9:30pm to arrive at Port Augusta around lunch on Easter Friday,
and will spend the weekend camped close to the fence at Baxter Detention Centre and will engage in a range of colourful
actions over the weekend in a peaceful protest.
"We will be coming from every state and territory in the 100's to demand that Australia revoke its policy of mandatory
detention, and release people who have been sitting in these jails for years. Half-baked measures such as releasing
people on 'removal pending bridging visa's' or giving them temporary protection visas when they could be sent back to a
war torn country whenever it suits our government, are not good enough," concluded Ms Paris.
MEDIA ARE WELCOME TO TAKE FOOTAGE OF US AT OUR DEPARTURE POINT, as well as remain in contact with us for updates on the
ground during the trip.
Gathering: 9:00pm, Wednesday 23rd March
Carpark near West Leederville train station/HQ youth centre
Contacts: Nicola Paris, 0422 99 00 40 or Phil Chilton, 0417 904 329