I have been wondering about continuing to live in Australia since 2001. There now is the added dimension where the human rights abuses of the Howard government have become institutionalised in law. And that is only thinking about Howard's past achievements, without reflecting on the dimensions of state powers in future.
In 2001, Labor sold out on refugees. In 2004, sections of the refugee movement became a mouthpiece for Labor. Some people, such as myself, do not agree that advocating for refugee rights is synonymous with advocating for Labor.
Barbara Rogalla
Melbourne
1 Comments:
At Friday, October 29, 2004 12:49:00 PM, refolution said…
Hi Barbara.
I think that prior to October 9, removing Howard meant advocating an ALP victory. In fact to some extent exaggerated views of the Greens support may have contributed indirectly to the ALP's defeat. e.g.through preference deals that tried to cut them out.
The Dems originally came from disaffected Libs and they have simply gone back to where they came from. Since Cheryl Kernot left they have not sustained support from the political middle ground.
I think we have to move beyond seeing ourselves as political limpets. There must be people with talent, organisational skills and the inclination to be a part of a "Refugee Support Party". How about Greg Barns?
Why not stand alone and at least get a hearing an dput the issues on the broader mainstream agenda. In SA Nick Xenophon has done it simply as an anti-pokies candidate and he gets a pretty strong hearing. It could work and we would be able to divert wasted energy into actually getting somewhere.
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