Refugee relocation protest in Bunbury

A spokeman for the office of Forrest MHR Nola Marino says most of the electorate agrees with the Federal Government’s “strict” border protection policies.

The comment was in response to a Bunbury protester who camped outside Mrs Marino’s office this week alongside a sign which read ‘#BRING THEM HERE!’ in an attempt to raise awareness for the plight of refugees.

Protester Glen Speering said refugees could be relocated to the South West to benefit the region’s businesses and changes to the Migration Act due to be introduced by the Government were “cruel”.

Mr Speering said he was worried for refugees and Mrs Marino needed to be doing more.“Especially for refugees working in regional areas – there are opportunities for them and employers,” Mr Speering said.

Changes to the act were passed by the Government on Sunday and will prevent any refugee or asylum-seeker who arrives in Australia illegally by boat from ever being able to apply for a visa, even as tourists or for business.

Mrs Marino is in Canberra this week and her office told theSouth Western Times she would not be making a comment on the campaign.

But the spokesman did say Mrs Marino’s team disagreed with Mr Speering’s message.

“Whilst we do disagree with their message, we do agree with their right to express themselves,” the spokesman said.

“We believe the majority of the electorate here agree with the Government’s strict border protection policies.”