Ben Courtice, Socialist Alliance candidate for the seat of Gellibrand, launched his election campaign on July 31 outside the Maribyrnong Detention centre.
Courtice told ΒιΆΉΣ³» Weekly the Socialist Alliance calls for an immediate end to mandatory detention and offshore processing. It also supports increasing Australiaβs low refugee intake to a minimum of 20,000 per year .
βNicola Roxon, our sitting member and health minister, takes little interest in the growing evidence of a direct link between immigration detentions and deteriorating mental health of asylum seekersβ, said Courtice.
βWe also know that many seriously unwell refugees are kept in detention until they attempt suicide; but it is hard for them to speak out because of the punitive atmosphere.
βMaribyrnong Detention Centre should be converted to a reception centre β similar to its origins; a centre that welcomes refugees, gives people a proper start to a new life and makes us proud to be Australians.β
Refugee rights supporters holding up βHonk for Refugeesβ signs got an enthusiastic response from passing motorists.