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 Only a  Poor Captain Bullies the Umpire

2/13/2015

3 Comments

 
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After a 10-month inquiry, which covered both the Labor and coalition governments, the commission concluded detaining child asylum-seekers violated international human rights law and caused them significant mental and physical harm.

                                                                  SBS world news

Holding the government to account is the mark of a democracy. Even in Tony Abbotts Team Australia there is a need for an umpire. One elected to ensure its conduct is fair and humane. To tell the self-proclaimed captain his team has broken the rules. To protect us all from bullying and abuse.

Such an umpire is Gillian Triggs, our Human Rights Commissioner.

Would you trust a government which vilifies and belittles its own Human Rights Commissioner? Which, because it doesn’t like the umpire’s verdict, throws a tantrum and demands her resignation?

Would Tony treat a male Human Rights Commissioner with such open hostility and lack of respect?

The aggression directed at Gillian Triggs is unprecedented. No former Liberal or Labor government has sunk so low as to try to remove the umpire. No democratic government in the developed world has behaved this badly, or been so out-of-control.

Clearly, Tony hates intelligent and strong women.

Her report, commissioned by the very government calling for her resignation, on our treatment of children in detention found Team Australia wanting. But not just Team Australia: the former Labor government also. Successive governments in fact.

The significant issue here is that Team Australia are the only ones who can improve on our treatment of children. They hold the power to make things better. They are, as they constantly remind us, The Government.

What a tragedy that the Abbott government has squandered its opportunity to alleviate children’s suffering, choosing, instead, to try to shoot the messenger.

Gillian Triggs, our Human Rights Commissioner, is made of strong stuff. And despite his tantrums Tony can’t rid himself of the messenger, or her findings.

Thankfully, Gillian, - is 2.5 years into a five-year statutory term that is legally protected to prevent political interference.

The results of her Commission belong to us all and are for all of us to ponder and act on. The misogyny and vitriol directed at this woman for doing the job she was asked to do is something we, as a nation, will also ponder.

As a woman I’m tired of little boys like Tony, the school yard bully cat-calling anyone he thinks he can intimidate.

It won’t work with Gillian. It won’t work with the majority of women in this country. Because we’re all tired of a government which demonstrates so little respect for us.

Tony calls himself captain. So did the criminal in charge of the Costa Concordia.

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3 Comments
Colleen Keating
2/16/2015 02:03:50 pm

Very well spoken Siobhan.TA's belligerence is an embarassment.
His language is so dumbing down. Hospitality as an individual, as a people as a nation is rewarding. The compensation in helping another is we help ourselves to be a better person, a better people, a better nation.
I think he not only dislikes strong women he doesn't believe we are intelligent. The way he speaks in slogans his latest being
"these are BAd people who take us for MUGS!!!!! "what language.!!!!
He is actually dangerous now as on Monday he could bring the fear about terrorism to a heightened pltch and wedge young people of different creeds and cultures apart.
As far as I am concerned
in holding onto power
he has forfeited leadership.

Reply
Colleen Keating
2/16/2015 02:30:18 pm

A group of us stood at Town Hall candle in hands this time last year.
Our cry is Not in our name.
We want our country to be once again a place of HOSPITALITY.

A year ago today, tragic events on Manus Island resulted in the death of Reza Barati, a 23-year-old Iranian asylum seeker who was killed while in our care.
When Australians heard of Reza's death, we came together to express our sorrow and our anger for Reza, and all those Australia has failed to protect. A year later, our message is still as pertinent as ever.
So tonight, we will light the dark again. At sunset, place a candle in your window or on your doorstep. Take a photo and tweet or instagram it using the #lightthedark hashtag, or submit it to us here: http://lightthedark2015.tumblr.com

I cant get the photo to come here but written right across the clear blue sky for 4 million city of Sydney people to see today
SHUT DOWN MANUS. Thank you GetUp. Go to GetUp on line and you will see the photo


/Users/colleenkeating/Desktop/shut down manus.jpg

Reply
siobhan
2/16/2015 03:19:06 pm

I saw it today. And was glad of heart.
And they saw it, too, on Manus Island and had no words for their gratitude that there are Australians who want their suffering to end.

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    siobhan colman

    Shining a light in the darkness.

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    www.siobhancolman.com



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