SCOTT Morrison misrepresented Sutherland Shire when he spoke of receiving ‘‘enormous support’’ from residents over the government’s hard-line asylum seeker policies, two groups claim.
St George and Sutherland Shire Refugee Support Group (SSRSG) and community advocacy group GetUp said thousands of shire residents were appalled at the harsh approach.
The Cook MP and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection made the comments to the Leader in an interview. The comments were then reported by media around Australia.
Mr Morrison also said he was ‘‘up for any challenge’’ when asked about speculation he might one day become prime minister.
SSRSG spokeswoman Rebecca Melrose said Mr Morrison had ‘‘misrepresented Sutherland Shire by suggesting he had unequivocal support for his border protection policies’’.
‘‘The minister failed to mention that one of the state’s largest refugee welcome zones falls within his electorate,’’ she said.
‘‘Sutherland Shire Council has been committed to welcoming refugees into the community by fostering social cohesion, cultural diversity and respect for human rights.
‘‘Border protection policies upheld by the minister completely contradict these humanitarian values.’’
Ms Melrose said SSRSG members were dismayed Mr Morrison took as a compliment inflammatory statements such as ‘‘keep giving it to ’em’’ and ‘‘don’t back down’’, which he said were made by residents on Australia Day.
He had ‘‘conveniently forgotten’’ rallies outside his office, supported by organisations in the area including SSRSG, Sutherland Shire Amnesty and I am a Boat Person, ‘‘all of which proudly have their beginnings in the shire’’.
Ms Melrose said many of Mr Morrison’s constituents had also persistently expressed their disagreement with his government’s policies via post, email, phone or speaking with him in person.
Five members of GetUp who live in the Cook electorate expressed their ‘‘disgust and horror’’ at Mr Morrison’s statements when they met with his staff on March 28.
The delegation included school student Charlotte Burton-Clark, 13, who said she wanted her voice heard even though she wasn’t old enough to vote.
Linda Seymour, of Bonnet Bay, said there were 3522 GetUp members in Cook and it was likely there would be as many, if not more, in the adjoining seat of Hughes.
Ms Seymour said they told Mr Morrison’s staff he was not speaking for them and appealed for a ‘‘fairer’’ approach to asylum seekers.
They had been trying to secure a meeting with Mr Morrison for several months, but understood he was busy with ministerial duties, she said.
Ms Seymour said staff had taken notes on the matters they raised, including climate change and the need for an equitable taxation system and independent media, and told them Mr Morrison would respond.
100 DAYS SINCE BOAT ARRIVAL
Scott Morrison and Prime Minister Tony Abbott trumpeted news that on Saturday, March 29, it had been 100 days since the last boat carrying asylum seekers reached Australia.
‘‘The last successful people-smuggling venture to Australia was on December 19 last year,’’ Mr Morrison said.
‘‘During the same 100-day period a year ago, 66 illegal boats carrying 3879 people arrived.
‘‘This is the longest period without a successful venture since before the Howard government’s strong border protection policies were abandoned by Labor and Kevin Rudd in August 2008.’’
Mr Morrison said the Coalition went to the last election with clear policies to stop the boats.
‘‘We are delivering on our pledge,’’ he said.
Do you think Scott Morrison misrepresented the shire?