Refugee Rights Action Network - Western Australia

An election is to be called soon, and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says the Government is "squarely focused" on setting up a refugee processing centre in East Timor. But the East Timor parliament, in a unanimous vote, has already rejected Australia's proposal.

East Timorese Deputy Prime Minister Mario Viegas Carrascalao said East Timor had too many problems of its own to deal with Australia's as well. "Timor Leste is not a colony of another country. We have sovereignty and our people have rights to decide for themselves what they want."

Australia needs to face its responsibilities. Why ask East Timor to build a processing centre?! Australia has the resources and ability to offer sanctuary to asylum seekers and by signing up to the UN Convention it has pledged to do so.

In case you were feeling left out Mr Smith, we'll be sure to protest at your office.

8.30am Friday 23 July 953A Beaufort Street Inglewood.