Vanstone makes unpopular impression on kids
11 March 2004, Australian Associated Press General News
By Sharon Mathieson
CANBERRA, March 11 AAP - School children put their case against mandatory detention to Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone today but failed to change the minister's mind.
Eight teenagers, including three refugees, had breakfast with Senator Vanstone, who listened to their stories of children in immigration detention.
The teenagers were ambassadors for Chilout, a group opposed to the mandatory detention of children in immigration detention.
Fabienne Trebere, 14, from North Sydney Girls High said Senator Vanstone failed to provide satisfactory answers to her questions but she hoped the stories she told would make an impact.
"She gave us some unusual answers as to why she doesn't think it's appropriate for children to be out of detention with their families," she said.
"She didn't really address our questions.
"I don't really think any of us were convinced by what she said."
Sayed Reza told the minister of how he was forced to leave his native Afghanistan after his brother was killed by the Taliban and his father put him in the hands of a people smuggler.
He made an 11-day boat trip to Australia, during which time he thought he would certainly die but eventually the boat reached Australian waters and he was taken to the Curtin detention centre in Western Australia.
"We knocked on Australian door, hoping to find safety and security," he said.
"However, for three years I held a temporary protection visa that put me in limbo."
Now 14, Sayed has since received permanent residency and now wants to show his thanks to his new country.
"I owe a lot to all of you for your thoughts and sympathy," he said.
Senator Vanstone said the breakfast went well.
"They were nice kids," she said.
The children handed petitions signed by 5,000 children from around the country to Australian Democrats Leader Andrew Bartlett and Labor MP Tanya Plibersek, who will table them in parliament.