World Refugee Day 2019

On World Refugee Day, I'm sending thanks to the REAL MVPs.

• Former Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam for abolishing the White Australia Policy and embraced a multicultural Australia.

• Former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser for respecting international obligations and implemented a refugee policy to resettle Indo-Chinese refugees into Australia. The influx of these refugees post White Australia Policy was the first real test to multiculturalism and since then, Australia has become more diverse than ever.

• My refugee family resettled into Australia under Prime Minister Bob Hawke so thank you for continuing Fraser's legacy in responding to humanitarian crises with commitment and compassion.

• Fraser was a Liberal during his leadership; he however defected in later years and heavily criticised against the Liberal government's inhumane treatment to current asylum seekers and refugees. And damn, our government is despicable.

If it weren't for the significant work from these former leaders, I literally would not be here today, in Australia, enjoying my freedoms and human rights. These are basic and intangible but precious things that I hold dear, especially when so many people around the world are legit risking their lives to fight for their freedom and human rights.

I will continue to watch our government like a hawk and stand in solidarity with all those displaced; asylum seekers and refugees, regardless of their race and beliefs. 

Also importantly, I will treat them with respect as humanitarian migrants, not economic migrants.

Lots o' Love, Linda