Posted by Kevin Bates on August 5, 2002, 11:21 pm Howard launches Book of Protest against Mandatory Detention of Refugees Monday, 5 August 2002 Around 4 o'clock yesterday, church bells peeled out across Tasmania to launch a book that will record the names of dissenters to the federal government policy of mandatory detention of asylum seekers. Tasmanian for Refugees have launched a leather bound book entitled Australia's Shame which will be taken across the state collecting protest signatures. Prue Cameron from Tasmanians for Refugees joined Anne Fitzgerald on the breakfast program on ABC Northern Tasmania to describe the launch which involved Tasmanian author, Richard Flanagan, who wrote the introduction to the book and the actor, John Howard who gave a speech at the launch. John Howard, the actor constantly mentioned the name he shares with the Prime Minster of Australia as he made his speech which started with a reference to the Sydney Olympics: "A couple of years ago, on the opening night of the Olympic Games, I like you was proud to be part of an exuberant, smart and funny and welcoming Australia admired that night, and the following fortnight, by all the world. Admired no longer. Proud no more
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In the years to come when we all are asked how we stood at this time, when Philip Ruddock decreed that it was right to imprison children if they came from the wrong country, we will not I think find it easy to forget, not even for a moment, where we stood today on that question, and yesterday, and last month, and last year. My name is John Howard and I know where I stand, and I know where my feet, if they must, will march
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..My name is John Howard and I am sorry for these wretched of the earth and these orphans of the sea. Let the word go forth, from this time and place to all nations of the birth today of a new social order in a country that can be proud again". Ms Cameron told Anne Fitzgerald that the book was both a petition and a statement for posterity. She said that they had been overwhelmed by the response from people at the launch with people standing for hours in the cold to add their names. The book will remain in Hobart until August 14th before beginning its journey around the state.
This report from the ABC encourages us to know that there are many voices being raised in protest at our government's policies on the asylum-seeker situation.
Presenter: Anne Fitzgerald
Author, Richard Flanagan who wrote the Statement of Dissent, the introduction to the book launched in Hobart yesterday. (Photo courtesy Pan MacMillan)
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