Australia's latest cyberactivist - Malcolm Fraser's Online Petition

24 November 2003

A Just Australia today welcomed the online petition, initiated by former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, against the detention of children and families.

Mr Fraser has launched this campaign to provide opportunities for as many Australians as possible to register their opposition to the detention of children.

"The ongoing detention of children is a continuing scandal and a corruption of Australian family values," said A Just Australia National Director Howard Glenn.

"It has no legitimate purpose and only serves to deny these children the chance to be kids."

Mr Glenn welcomed Mr Fraser's online petition and encouraged its wide distribution.

"Already a steadfast and inspirational supporter, Mr Fraser has now become one of the latest cyberactivists for refugees' human rights," Mr Glenn said.

"It is a sad irony that while a former Liberal leader is forward-looking and compassionate, the current leadership looks back to the days before the Refugee Convention.

"Most people don't want to see children in detention. This petition is one clear way they can make that known to their elected representatives."

Background

There are more than 184 children detained under Australian policy in centres in Australia and on the isolated pacific island of Nauru. A number of these children have been detained for more than three years. Many have lived much of their lives either fleeing persecution or detained under Australian policy. Few of them are likely to be released soon unless the Minister for Immigration acts on compassionate grounds.

The petition can be found at www.petitiononline.com/dtention/