Media Releases 2005 (28)
While the world community responds again to another critical emergency, this time in Pakistan
and surrounding areas, let us also respond again to the critical food emergency in Africa.
NEXT SUNDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2005, IS WORLD FOOD DAY
Australians are invited to share some of their abundant resources with the people of Ethiopia,
Zambia and Zimbabwe.
International relief and development agencies of Australian Churches are working together to
promote an emergency appeal for people devastated by drought, HIV/AIDS and internal conflict
in Africa.
AngliCORD, NCCA Christian World Service, Churches of Christ Overseas Aid (COCOA) and
Uniting Church Overseas Aid (UCOA) have launched an appeal to support those affected in Sub-
Saharan Africa.
Millions of people in Africa don’t have the luxury of two or three meals a day from any source –
nor easy access as we do to good food resources in supermarkets, fast food outlets and restaurants.
As this year is the 25th anniversary of World Food Day people are encouraged to consider giving
$25 to the appeal or to give the cost of a meal from a supermarket, from a fast food outlet or from
a restaurant to people affected by the food and crises in Africa.
Food shortages are at critical levels in an increasing number of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In recent days the media spotlight has been on the looming food crisis in Malawi, where five
million people are now expected to need food aid over the next six months.
While the focus of the latest joint appeal is on Zimbabwe, Zambia and Ethiopia, each agency is
able to direct support in response to emergencies across the continent through the ACT
International alliance and local partner churches.
To make a tax deductible donation:
NCCA Christian World Service: 1800 025 101 or http://www.actforpeace.org.au
AngliCORD: 1800 249 800 or www.anglicord.org.au
Uniting Church Overseas Aid: 1800 998 122 or www.overseasaid.org
Churches of Christ Overseas Aid: 08 8212 4446 or www.omb.org.au
Details of the appeal are available on each of the agencies' websites.
BACKGROUND:
Food shortages and humanitarian problems in Zimbabwe have been greatly exacerbated by the
implementation of Operation Murambatsvina. The UN estimates that 700,000 Zimbabweans
(including 225,000 children) were left homeless and destitute following this recent operation by
the government.
In Ethiopia 8-10 million people are at risk of malnutrition. This is the fifth major drought in
Ethiopia in just two decades. In addition, a late start to the government's program to provide
multi-year support to more than 5 million chronically food-insecure people and inadequate
resources to provide food and non-food assistance to 3.8 million people have combined to create
an alarming situation.
Zambian maize production is below previous levels because of prolonged dry spells, especially in
the major producing areas in the south, central and parts of the eastern provinces. Almost 50% of
Zambia's population is undernourished.
Ronald Wilson.
Sir Ron was enthusiastically involved in the ecumenical movement over many years. “He took a
close interest in the programs of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Australian
Council of Churches,” said the Revd David Gill, former General Secretary of the NCCA. “I
recall his presence at a meeting of the WCC Central Committee during the 1970s. Though
technically a ‘visitor’, his commitment and facility with words got him conscripted into drafting
our subcommittee’s report!”
In Australia, Sir Ron involved himself in many programs and projects. These included serving
as honorary General Secretary of the Council of Churches of WA and playing an active role in
Australia’s efforts to host the WCC’s 1991 Canberra Assembly. At the Canberra Assembly he
chaired the media committee.
He had a deep conviction concerning the critical importance of ecumenical formation for
potential leaders of Australia’s Churches. To this end he was a strong supporter of the NCCA’s
Ecumenical Leadership Fund.
Sir Ron will be remembered by many in the Churches as a quiet, humble man and a great friend,
as well as a source of wisdom, encouragement and support. The ecumenical movement in
Australia will deeply miss and warmly remember his involvement.
For further information contact: Debra Porter, NCCA Communications Officer,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (02) 9299 2215.
Haire, and the General Secretary of the NCCA, Revd John Henderson, have expressed the
condolences of the Council to the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the occasion of
the death of Pope John Paul II. The Council stands in solidarity with the Catholic community at
this time.
The Catholic Church has been a full member of the National Council of Churches since its
inception in 1994.
“In Australia there is a close and warm relationship between the Catholic Church and her
Orthodox and Protestant neighbours,” said Professor Haire, speaking from Chiang Mai in
Thailand during the 12th Assembly of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA). “While there is
still separation between Rome and other Christians, we have walked a long way together and
come much closer. Much of that journey has taken place during the time of John Paul II and
with his encouragement. He was a person of high integrity, deep faith, and profound
discipleship.”
Also speaking from Chiang Mai at the CCA Assembly, Revd Henderson said, “On Thursday all
eyes turned to the Vatican, and it is significant that, after such a long Papacy, John Paul II
received such respectful treatment from around the world. The death of the Pope is important for
all Christians, whether or not they are Catholic.
“I think of landmark events such as the signing of the Joint Declaration on Justification with the
Lutherans, his visits to the Jewish and Palestinian communities, his interfaith work and his
significant gains in relationships with the Orthodox. We should also remember his 1986 visit to
Australia, when he addressed the situation of indigenous Australians. His work was a sign that
there is hope for the healing of divisions, some of which go back over 1,000 years,” said Revd
Henderson.
The NCCA has privately expressed its condolences to the Australian Catholic Bishop’s
Conference through a letter from Professor Haire and Revd Henderson to Archbishop Francis
Carroll, Archbishop of Canberra Goulburn, the President of the Conference.
For further comment:
Debra Porter, ph (02) 9299 2215 or 0427 789 410
Australians have been shocked by revelations of sexual abuse in Churches.
Over the last 10 years Australian Churches have been adopting professional standards for clergy and
other workers, including volunteers. They regularly carry out training of workers, and referees are
followed up. Those who have experienced abuse are being encouraged to tell their stories and be heard.
This is a beginning, and Churches are now being encouraged to use the framework provided by policies,
protocols, and training, to build to an environment where perpetrators find no opportunity to offend. This
requires constant vigilance and care.
Convened by the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), Safe as Churches? II, held from the
8th – 10th September 2005, brought together 120 church practitioners to discuss issues related to sexual
abuse and misconduct in Churches. It follows on from an earlier groundbreaking consultation in March
2004.
“This issue is critical for the Churches,” said Revd John Henderson, General Secretary of the NCCA. “No
one should have to suffer abuse or harassment. It is tragic that so much abuse has occurred. It is even
more tragic that the needs of so many of those who have been abused have not been met adequately by
Church responses and procedures.”
“This consultation is significant because of its ecumenical nature,” said Mr Henderson. “As far as we
know there is nothing else like it elsewhere in say, Europe or North America, on the matter of sexual
abuse. Those involved cover a wide spectrum of the Australian church scene, coming together to
network and resource each other in this important matter. It’s a new way of working and it’s important
that Christians come together to tackle such a serious issue.”
Expert presenters included Professor Patrick Parkinson, from the University of Sydney, Mr Roderick Best
from the NSW Department of Community Services, and Mr Dale Tolliday, from NSW Health. 16
Workshops were clustered under 4 main themes: Support for congregations; Responding to those who
experience sexual abuse; Holding offenders accountable; and Legal and Procedural matters.
Australian participants came from the Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Catholic, Churches of Christ,
Coptic Orthodox, Lutheran, Quaker, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventist, Presbyterian and Uniting
Churches, and the Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist Churches of New Zealand.
For comment contact:
Revd John Henderson, National Council of Churches in Australia, 0419 224 935
and migrants make to Australia on Refugee and Migrant Sunday (28 August 2005).
Help Celebrate!
Organise a Movie Night to show Punished Not Protected, a brilliant new film!
Screen one of four 15 min segments of the film after your church service !
Use the film to inspire your student entries in the Media Competition !
Use the education kit to give a talk or hold a discussion !
Arrange a refugee speaker for the day !
Order ‘Reach Out’ flyers to hand out on the day !
Everything you need is now on the web!
Want to download a kit, get extra resources or find out about the Media Competition, what’s
happening in your state, or the film Punished Not Protected, go to: www.ncca.org.au/cws/rdp/rms
Spice up your newsletter or get images for your flyer for the day! See our website!
Each year, the National Council of Churches produces Parish & School Education Kits to help its 15
member churches celebrate the day, raise awareness and take further action. The kit has a poster to
advertise the day, education sheets, a liturgy to mark the day and parish and school resources.
The kits focus on the war in Sudan, peace efforts, refugees solutions, life in a refugee camp and
refugees being resettled in Australia. It highlights the Sudanese churches’ people to people peace
process and how Australian parishes help resettle Sudanese refugees. The kits also highlights the
plight of asylum seekers living in the community, who seek dignity not charity, but are denied income
support, work rights and Medicare and are forced to depend on churches and charities.
Each year we also run a School Media Competition with three categories (poster, poem and multimedia).
The school kit has all the details on how to inspire your students and enter the comp.
Order kits, arrange a speaker or find out more! Call your ecumenical council:
NSW/ACT: (02) 92992215 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
VIC: (03) 9650 6811 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SA: (08) 8221 6633 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
QLD: (07) 3369 6792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
TAS: (03) 6234 2543 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WA: (08) 9385 5477 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
NT: (08) 8945 3371 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For media comment contact: James Thomson 02 92992215 ; 0402 675 544 or
John Ball 03 9650 6811 ; 0412 528 514
reconciliation within this nation,” said Graeme Mundine, Executive Secretary of the National Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC).
“Countless Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, stepped out together in 2000 and walked across
bridges Australia wide to demonstrate their support for building just and right relationships in this country.
Five years later we ask, 'Are we still on the same map?' “
“Where did all that good will and enthusiasm go? Are these people still walking?” asked Mr Mundine.
“Christians are called to take action, to show their commitment to their faith and the social justice it teaches.
‘Show me how anyone can have faith without actions. I will show you my faith by my actions.’
(James 2:19)
“Reconciliation Week challenges us to ask what have we done, and what more can we do, as individuals and
as a community, to help the process of healing and reconciliation in this country,” Mr Mundine said.
“Reconciliation is not about fixing 'the Indigenous problem', or waiting for Governments to come up with a
perfect policy. It’s about personal commitment and taking action in our every day lives.
Mr Mundine said, “We need to look around and ask, 'Where are the aboriginal people in my community?
How can we learn more from each other? What can I do about the injustices that Indigenous people still
suffer? How can we engage with each other and break down the barriers of fear and misunderstanding?”
He concluded, “The greatest need in Australia today is to right the wrongs of the past. We must increase our
efforts to walk together with greater understanding and heartfelt compassion to heal the hurt that has
fractured our nation for so long."
For comment: Graeme Mundine 0419 238 788
“In the death of Pope John Paul II we have lost a tremendous leader and a champion for Indigenous rights”,
said the Executive Secretary of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission
(NATSIEC), Graeme Mundine.
“Pope John Paul II was a great friend to Australian Indigenous Peoples. In November 1986, the Pope
personally requested to meet with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples while he was in Australia. At
Alice Springs, the symbolic heart of the Nation, he spoke specifically to us. His words were a gift of great
hope and inspiration to us”, said Graeme Mundine.
“In his speech he recognised the problems that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have endured.
The Pope spoke of the Indigenous experience being like that of a tree in the midst of a bushfire. He said,
“The leaves are scorched and the tough bark is scarred and burned; but inside the sap is still flowing, and
under the ground the roots are still strong. Like that tree you have endured the flames, and you still have the
power to be reborn. The time for this rebirth is now!”
“Recent events at Palm Island, Goondiwindi, Port Augusta and Redfern, the ongoing problems in areas such
as health, employment, incarceration levels and education, and the dismantling of ATSIC show that the fires
of injustice are still burning strongly”, Mr Mundine said.
The Pope also said, “You are part of Australia and Australia is part of you. And the Church herself in
Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her
life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others”.
“The Pope’s comments are still relevant almost twenty years later. In the lead up to the anniversary of the
Pope’s address, NATSIEC is undertaking a series of theological forums entitled “The Light of Australia
Talks”. Indigenous Christians have been questioning whether the Indigenous contribution has been truly
joyfully received. We have endured the flames, but have we been reborn? Can our hearts also burn with
hope and a renewed sense of justice as we walk together on a new road?” Mr Mundine asked.
“Next year NATSIEC will be celebrating the twentieth anniversary of this significant occasion at its Dreaming
from the Heart event. Indigenous Christians from many denominations will gather in Alice Springs in
October 2006 to draw inspiration from the Pope’s words, to reflect on the past twenty years and look to the
future”.
“Following the Pontiff’s death we will also remember His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, as a man of integrity
and great faith. We remember fondly his support of and love for the Indigenous peoples of Australia. May he
rest in peace,” Mr Mundine concluded.
Graeme Mundine is the Executive Secretary of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical
Commission (NATSIEC) of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA).
For further comment - Graeme Mundine 0419 238 788
Peak Australian Interfaith Body Condemns Terrorism and Fanaticism
Written byWhile all Australians are engaged in debates on the balance between civil liberties and the
necessity to properly protect all of us from the threat of terrorism, Australia’s Christians,
Muslims and Jews have the opportunity and responsibility to work together to strengthen the
ethical foundations of Australia, participants in a recent meeting of the Australian National
Dialogue of Christians, Muslims & Jews (ANDCMJ) concluded.
The ANDCMJ expressed strong support for the "Peace and Harmony Conference", organized by
the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils last weekend and its aim of strengthening essential
moral and social tenets of Australian society.
At the meeting at the Great Synagogue, Sydney, the representatives of the Australian Federation
of Islamic Councils (AFIC), the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) and The
Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), offered their support to all serious initiatives to
breakdown racial and religious stereotypes and to strengthen Australian defenses against
terrorism and religious fanaticism.
The Dialogue paid particular attention to the way in which Islam, Judaism and Christianity
understand the term ‘martyr’.
“All true religion teaches you how to live well. That can include learning how to die well, in the
cause of the basic tenets of faith, but it does not include planning to kill others especially
innocent persons by killing oneself. Religion gives no mandate to that. There can be no
justification for such actions and any attempt at this is the warped outcome of twisted reasoning,
and although some try to justify it through circumstances, it is never right”, Amjad Mehboob,
leader of the AFIC delegation stressed.
John Henderson, General Secretary of the NCCA added, “The history of religious martyrs is a
long and honoured one, but it remains controversial. Martyrs are inspirational examples of
people who live out what they believe whatever the personal cost. Their emphasis is on living,
not dying. Martyrdom is not a cult of death, and it does not support the view that somehow
killing oneself, and taking others with you, is a short cut to paradise. When people take such a
step they separate themselves from their faith, and the effect is the opposite of what they intend”.
On behalf of the ECAJ representatives, Jeremy Jones concluded, “Genuine martyrs do not
choose martyrdom. Martyrs are people who, by living out what they believe, suffer
consequences at the hands of others which can include their own death. They do not choose
death as a means of justice, revenge, or as a weapon to destroy others”.
The dialogue partners identified the following important principles:
· Accountability to God for all our actions
· The centrality and truth of religious teaching in personal and community life
· The necessity for believers to live by what they believe
· That true religion emphasises good living and responsible, caring relationships among
family, friends, community, and the world at large
Further, there was unanimous agreement that all Faiths must condemn :
· The use of the methods of terror by any side in a dispute
· So-called ‘suicide’ bombings as legitimate acts
· The use of violence to overcome violence
Objectives of the ANDCMJ are:
· To be a model of how different faiths can live harmoniously together in Australia
· To build understanding, good will and a sense of community between people of different
faiths
· To explore and learn about each other and our faith traditions
· To share our knowledge and insights with others
· To work together to achieve common goals in Australia
· To support each other in times of difficulty
Further information:
John Henderson, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia:
0419 224 935 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Amjad Mehboob, CEO of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils:
0408 234 434 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jeremy Jones, Spokesperson, Executive Council of Australian Jewry:
0411 536 436 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Christian, Muslim and Jewish Leaders: No Room for 'Hate Literature' in Australia
Written bystatement today, in response to revelations that material inciting contempt and rationalising hatred is
being sold at Islamic bookshops in Sydney and Melbourne.
Revd John Henderson, Amjad Mehboob, and Jeremy Jones, representatives of the National Council of
Churches in Australia, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and the Executive Council of
Australian Jewry respectively, said:
“All fair-minded people will be dismayed to learn that notorious racist and vilifying texts, printed
overseas, have found their way to Australia and have been made available for sale at bookshops
patronised by customers seeking knowledge of Islam and Muslim life.
“The individuals who have imported and are promoting this material must not be allowed to present
themselves as acting in the interests of Muslim Australians and principal among those offended by their
actions, in addition to Jews and Christians directly targeted in the texts, are the overwhelming majority of
Australian Muslims who know only too well the evil of racism and religious vilification.
“Notorious racist texts including ‘The International Jew’ and contemporary attacks on Jews and
Christians such as Sheikh Abdul-Azaaz bin Baaz’s ‘The Ideological Attack’ serve no purpose other than
to promote fear and contempt – responses which are the antithesis of what we believe should be promoted
by religion.
“We call on the proprietors of the book-shops to withdraw hate literature from sale and to apologise for
diminishing the culture of respect which is central to all Australians living together in the spirit mandated
by our respective Faiths.”
The Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims & Jews was officially ‘launched’ in March
2003 after 12 months of formal preparation, which was preceded by informal contact and discussions
between the NCCA, AFIC, & ECAJ.
The purpose of the Dialogue is “To provide opportunity for the national bodies of each faith to come
together to build understanding and harmony in the Australian context.”
The Objectives of the ANDCMJ are:
To be a model of how different faiths can live harmoniously together in Australia
To build understanding, good will and a sense of community between people of different faiths
To explore and learn about each other and our faith traditions
To share our knowledge and insights with others
To work together to achieve common goals in Australia
To support each other in times of difficulty
Further information:
John Henderson, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia : 0419 224 935
Amjad Mehboob, CEO of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils : 0408 234 434
Jeremy Jones, Spokesperson, Executive Council of Australian Jewry : 0411 536 436
Current reports from Zimbabwe indicate there is no abatement of the government’s ‘Operation
Murambatsvina’ in that country. Vast disruption and displacement is resulting from the ongoing
expulsion of people from their homes and the demolition of whole communities.
Many Australian Churches have close links with Churches in Zimbabwe, and they remain deeply
concerned about this mounting and unnecessary tragedy. In an earlier media statement in June
the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) supported the Zimbabwe Council of
Churches in its calls to the government to obey the rule of law. It appears that these, and other,
much more strongly worded appeals, including those from many governments, are falling on
deaf ears. International agencies continue to call on President Mugabe to restore the rule of law
in Zimbabwe to alleviate the suffering of his people.
“International humanitarian agencies, including the NCCA’s Christian World Service, will do
what they can to help people on the ground,” said the Revd John Henderson, General Secretary
of the NCCA. “At the same time, we join the mounting global protest condemning these illegal
actions by a government against the very people it should be protecting, the weak and
vulnerable. We call upon the government of Zimbabwe to heed the call of God, of the people,
and of the nations of the world to change its course, and ensure future fair and democratic
processes.”
For further comment contact:
Revd John Henderson (General Secretary) 02 9299 2215
Mr Alistair Gee (Director, Christian World Service) 02 9299 2215
More...
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission, speaking about NATSIEC’s new
campaign aimed at the reduction of poverty experienced by Australia’s Indigenous Peoples.
“The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) do not specifically target Indigenous Peoples but Indigenous
Peoples are often the ones most affected by extreme poverty and usually rank at the bottom of most social and
economic indicators.
“As we campaign to achieve the Millennium Development Goals we must not forget the world’s Indigenous
Peoples,” Mr Mundine said.
“The poorest in Australian society are the Traditional Owners of this land. Even though Australia is a rich
country there are those who live in poverty and who do not enjoy the same level of health, wealth and even life
expectancy as that of the majority of Australians,” Mr Mundine commented.
“All key social and economic indicators show that Australian Indigenous Peoples are living in poverty: our
children are twice as likely to die in infancy, and we suffer from more preventable diseases, higher
unemployment, lower house ownership, lower engagement with education and we are six times as likely to be
murdered.
“Poverty is a very real and debilitating experience for many of our people,” Mr Mundine said.
“The MDGs must be aligned with poverty reduction strategies that address the particular needs of Indigenous
peoples. Without the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples our marginalisation and exclusion will
continue.
“Here in Australia we must compare the living standards and levels of health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Peoples with those of the rest of Australia – not to the poorest of the world’s poor.
“Now more than two hundred years after colonisation we have an opportunity to stand up together and say
enough! We will not tolerate the poverty that the poorest of our society currently live in. We will do whatever it
takes to ensure that the Indigenous Peoples of Australia have the same opportunities to live as long, to create
as much wealth, to see their children grow into healthy and productive adults as non - Indigenous people do,”
Mr Mundine said.
“We must work as hard for our own poor as we do for those overseas and MAKE INDIGENOUS POVERTY
HISTORY by 2015,” Mr Mundine concluded.
For further comment or details on the NATSIEC Make Indigenous Poverty History Campaign
contact: Graeme Mundine on 0419 238 788 Website: www.ncca.org.au/natsiec
Human Trafficking and Slavery in Australia: Coordinating a Community Response
Written byFriends Meeting House, 119 Devonshire St, Surry Hills (5 mins walk from
Central Station)
Speakers: Jennifer Burn and Jennifer Stanger are Co-Directors of the Anti-Slavery
Project,
a new program of the Community Law Centre at
the University of Technology Sydney that provides direct assistance and advocacy to
trafficked persons.
There will be an opportunity to share ideas and strategies for collaboration in
addressing trafficking and slavery.
Organised by: forceten and the Anti-Slavery Project
RSVP: Aletia on 02 9299 2215 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 20th June
Entry by paper donation: All proceeds support forceten anti-trafficking projects in
Asia
What is forceten? A non-profit organisation working for justice and
development www.forceten.org.au
For further information please contact: Aletia on 02 9299 2215
announcing two private members' bills to reform Australia's system of mandatory, indefinite and nonreviewable
detention and restore access to permanent visas for refugees in need of Australia's protection.
"It's a simple issue. Should we indefinitely detain without review every man, woman and child without a
visa or should the Government have to justify detaining someone beyond the 90 days required for health,
security and identity checks?" said James Thomson, the NCCA's refugee spokesperson.
The 15 member churches of the NCCA believe that detention should be a last resort and only used for
health, security and identity checks. Australia's system of mandatory, indefinite and non-judicially
reviewable detention goes well beyond what is necessary and permissible under international human
rights law.
"The problem is that despite the suffering of those locked away indefinitely under the current system
neither Liberal nor Labor want to appear to be going soft on border protection. Yet there are now many
Liberal and Labor parliamentarians who cannot in good conscience continue to support 'the party line'.
When the Bill goes to parliament, they must be allowed to vote freely. This is a human rights issue and
one that warrants conscience vote.
"There has never been a proper public debate on the need for Australia's system of mandatory, nonreviewable
and indefinite detention. Nor have Australians been polled on the question of whether they
want a humane or inhumane system. Only whether they are for the current system or against it. If
Australians can't decide directly then we can at least allow their elected representatives to vote without
fear of party sanctions."
"This Bill is the circuit breaker we've been looking for" said Mr Thomson. "Its time Australia wiped the
slate clean and started afresh with a humane system of detention."
The Mandatory Detention Bill aims to end Australia's system of indefinite, unreviewable detention by
creating a system of judicial review for those held in detention for more than 90 days. Under the Bill,
unless a case is made for continued detention, detainees would be released on a bridging visa while their
protection application is decided. Unsuccessful applicants who cannot be returned home could also
qualify for release.
The Act of Compassion Bill aims to create the new position of 'judicial reviewer', who would
independently assess the cases of those in detention for 12 months and children and families in detention.
It also proposes that permanent residence be given to refugees with temporary protection visas and those
who cannot be sent home (conditional).
The 15 member churches of the NCCA have been equally clear on the need to grant all refugees released
from detention a permanent protection visa so they can begin to rebuild their lives instead of living in fear
of being forcibly sent home.
For more information contact: James Thomson on (02) 9299 2215 or 0402 67 55 44
Churches Seek Meeting with Prime Minister on Workplace Changes
Written byPrime Minister, John Howard, to express concerns and request clarification of changes
announced by him to the Workplace Relations system.
The issue was on the agenda of the Executive meeting of the National Council of Churches
(NCCA) last week, following statements made by the Prime Minister and the Workplace
Relations Minister, Kevin Andrews, about their proposed reforms. The Executive includes
leaders from the Catholic, Anglican, and Uniting Churches, as well as 12 other national Church
groupings.
“We are uneasy about the bottom line in all this,” said the Revd John Henderson, General
Secretary of the NCCA. “If this is about Australia remaining competitive as a nation, as Mr
Howard has said, then it should not be achieved at the expense of Australian workers and their
families. The value of each worker is not as a commodity, but as a person, a human being, loved
by God. Our community has values that are more important than economics.”
“We would really like the Government to slow down, and step back from its apparent haste. We
ask Mr Howard to heed his own words to use the Coalition’s Senate majority ‘soberly, sensibly,
and wisely’. To rush into this would be to risk a disaster for everyone,” said Revd Henderson.
Australian Churches are among the largest providers of community, education, health, and
welfare services in the country, and have been for many years. They are also significant
employers in the so-called ‘Third Sector’. In some service and educational operations the
Churches employ more people than large corporations.
The National Council of Churches in Australia, formed in 1994, draws together 15 national
Churches in cooperation and partnership. (www.ncca.org.au)
--------------------------
For further information and comment, contact:
Revd John Henderson (02) 9299 2215 or 0419 224 935
