Refugee rights protesters picket Ruddock

Issue 

BY BILL MASON

BRISBANE — Around 40 refugee-rights activists picketed a Liberal Party cocktail lunch at the Irish Club on August 7. They were protesting the federal government's proposed immigration detention centre at Pinkenba, near the mouth of the Brisbane River. The lunch was being addressed by federal immigration minister Philip Ruddock.

Ruddock had to face a barrage of chants, calling for the closure of Australia's detention centres, as he entered the club building. Members of the Refugee Action Collective organised the protest.

There is increasing opposition against Ruddock's plan for a 200-550 bed medium-security detention centre at the Meeandah army stores site, near Pinkenba. Bayside Residents Against Toxic Sites president Margo Canavan, who was part of a delegation of residents which met Ruddock that day, said local residents would continue to oppose the camp.

Despite statements by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and other political leaders supporting the relocation of the centre to a regional area of the state, refugee-rights supporters are calling for any plans for a new detention centre to be scrapped.

From Green Left Weekly, August 13, 2003.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.