Write to your local member of Parliament
We know, lots of organisations tell you to write to your MPs and Senators. There's a reason... it works. Personalised letters to MPs get responses, they are read by someone in the office. Receiving numerous personalised letters (emails, faxes, calls) on the one issue causes MPs to stop and take note. They will discuss the issue with colleagues, it will take the time and energy of their office, a groundswell starts and action follows...
Find your electorate. Then, find your local member
Not sure what to say? You don't need to be a lawyer, an expert or write a lengthy tome. The issues are equally relevant to MPs from both major parties and the Independents, and it doesn't hurt to give the Greens your personal message to take to Canberra. Here are a few ideas:
- Children should only be detained for a defined, short period and only in appropriate facilities.
- Australia is the only Refugee Convention signatory to indefinitely detain children, this is shameful.
- What is gained from detaining children? It can be good to add a direct question, they need to answer it. And honestly, we cannot foresee any acceptable answer to this question.
- Offshore and remote detention needs to end. It is damaging to the men, women and children detained and it is a waste of my tax dollars.
Here's a few facts:
- As of October 31 2011, there were 370 children locked in detention in Australia (here's the latest DIAC stats but be sure to read them in conjunction with our explanation of the different types of detention). Around 150 of these children are unaccompanied minors.
- Over 80% of asylum seekers who come by boat are found to be refugees in need of protection.
- Australia only receives around 1% of the world's asylum claims each year.
Give hope, not soap this year . Be part of the ChilOut Christmas appeal to get presents to children in detention.