buddies

Listen to the Buddies Forum online. Audio is in mp3 format.

If you need an mp3 player, you can download one here…
» winamp (for pc) | » soundApp (for old macs) | » iTunes (for new macs)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stories from refugees conveyed through Ms Joseph, as well as a sociological and ethical overview of the issues…

welcome : Stephanie Belfrage and Frederika Steen

Hurriyet Babacan (sociologist)

Noel Preston (ethicist)

Rashida Joseph (refugee support worker)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parliamentarians address specific questions in relation to mandatory detention of asylum seekers, particularly children, the temporary nature of visas given to onshore refugees, and the forced deportation of rejected asylum seekers.

Senator George Brandis (Liberal party)

Senator Claire Moore (Labor party)

Senator Andrew Bartlett (Leader of the Australian Democrats) (incomplete)

Drew Hutton (Queensland Greens state leader)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrap-up and questions from the audience..

Noel Preston : summation

question 1 : siev-x

question 2 : quotas

question 3 : who chooses ?

question 4 : how would you feel ?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The discussion was chaired by Ms Frederika Steen , former Department of Immigration migration agent now working voluntarily at the Romero Centre. Participants were Ms Hurriyet Babacan, Sunshine Coast University sociologist, Dr Noel Preston, well-known Brisbane ethicist, Rashida Joseph, refugee support worker and public advocate. Also Federal and State members of parliament from the major political parties : Senator George Brandis, Liberal; Senator Claire Moore, Labor; Senator Andrew Bartlett, Leader of the Australian Democrats and Drew Hutton, State Member for the Greens.

A number of refugees currently on Temporary Protection Visas were invited to share their stories at the forum. All declined. They live with constant anxiety because of the temporary nature of their visas and are fearful of any action which they percieve may jepordize their chance for permanent status in Australia. For this reason, Rashida Joseph presented stories on their behalf.

The Forum was held at the Sunshine Coast University (Lecture Theatre One) on Saturday 25 October.

For further information contact Stephanie Belfrage 5492 9398.