Wodonga’s Citizen of the Year and Albury-Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council chairwoman Rupinder Kaur has urged Indi MP Cathy McGowan to support a bill fast-tracking medical treatment for refugees on Manus Island and Nauru.
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The Urgent Medical Transfers Bill is coming to Parliament next month, and Ms Kaur asked Ms McGowan to vote for the bill, which would see sick asylum seekers more easily flown to Australia for treatment.
“As a prominent leader and champion of multiculturalism in our region, AWECC urges you to take urgent and decisive action by supporting the forthcoming refugee rights bill,” she wrote.
“The legislation, which is supported by the Refugee Council of Australia and other refugee rights organisations, is critical to defending the human rights and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers.
“Our recommendation to support this bill reflects the sentiments and concerns of our members regarding off-shore detention and negative health outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers.
“We trust that you will continue to champion the rights of migrant and refugee communities.”
Ms Kaur told The Border Mail Ms McGowan, who responded to an original letter sent by AWECC on the issue in September, should make clear what her position on the bill is.
“She is a role model for many people here, and if she comes forward in this cause that would be really great,” she said.
“We are the voice for the innocent kids at detention centres who can’t speak for themselves, and this bill is really important.”
Following media reports earlier this month querying Ms McGowan’s position on the bill, the MP issued a statement saying that “her voting record speaks for itself on the issue of refugees seeking asylum in Australia” and encouraged constituents to give their feedback.
“Communities in Indi have consistently called for compassion and mercy for refugees,” she said.
“This is consistent with getting asylum seekers out of indefinite detention – my position on this is unchanged.
“I welcome the government continuing to listen to the crossbenchers on this and all legislation.
“I encourage people to get in touch with my office as your input will be vital for this process.”
Crossbenchers Kerryn Phelps, Rebekha Sharkie, Julia Banks and Andrew Wilkie have all publicly backed the bill.
