Council has voiced its opposition to the indefinite detention to Darwin refugees

Darwin council voiced its opposition to the indefinite detention of nine refugees, after alderman Justine Glover initiated the position at last month’s council meeting.

DARWIN council voiced its opposition to the indefinite detention of nine refugees on Tuesday, after alderman Justine Glover initiated the position at last month’s council meeting.

Ms Glover brought a motion to council, for elected members to voice opposition to indefinite detention of the nine declared refugees and will call upon the Department of Home Affairs and the federal government to end their indefinite detention, while Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis will write to Senator Sam McMahon for her to voice her approval.

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In her presentation to council, Ms Glover said while there had been multiple but ultimately unverified reports of the refugees living in poor conditions, what council would stand against was their indefinite sentence. “They are located in a complex adjacent to the Darwin Airport, in cramped conditions and have no opportunity for exercise,” she said.

“This motion is absolutely appropriate and squarely sits with council. It’s all about alerting government to how the community feels about the remaining nine refugees.

“This motion is not about politics or grandstanding, it’s about caring for the welfare of people in need.”

Darwin Asylum Seeker Support and Advocacy Network supporter and doctor at Royal Darwin Hospital Domenico de Piero worked with Ms Glover on her presentation and said council was within its rights to have a position.

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“This is a crisis, it’s happening in our own backyard, essentially council is saying this is wrong, our federal policy is wrong and we recognise it’s harmful to human beings when we as a community in Darwin but also nationally can afford to welcome these people,” he said. “Council are our voice to the federal government and represent the city of Darwin. A lot of residents are really concerned.”

Originally published as Council has voiced its opposition to the indefinite detention to Darwin refugees