FECCA Media Release

The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) cautions Australians to maintain a level and balanced perspective on asylum seekers.

FECCA Chair, Voula Messimeri said there is a concern that the issue of people seeking asylum may be used as political capital out of what is essentially a tragedy affecting the lives of those fleeing persecution.

"Australia must retain an open and forward perspective in this area, rather than revisit the fear tactics that so blighted our good international standing in the past," she stressed.

"It's important to remember that Australia receives a very small number of asylum seekers in comparison to other nations and that Australia currently maintains a stringent border protection against illegal entrants, not withstanding some recent and welcomed changes by the Rudd Government. The current increase in people seeking asylum is occurring around the world as a result of the increase in civil strife, emanating from specific troubled countries.

"We must ensure that Australia remains a humane country. This includes treating asylum seekers - the vast majority of whom are assessed in due course as genuine refugees - with dignity and respect in accordance with our international obligations.

"It is important to also remember that an asylum seeker is not 'illegal' as is often reported, but that they have legal status under both Australian law and international laws of which Australia is a signatory," Ms Messimeri said.

"The current tragedy of the most recent boat arrival that has occurred off Australian shores must not be turned into political gain through unconfirmed allegations that have the potential to create unnecessary fear. Rather, it is best left to appropriate authorities to ascertain the cause of the blast and keep the issue in its correct perspective," Ms Messimeri concluded.

Media comment: Voula Messimeri. Phone 0414 532 529

Issued by FECCA Phone 02 6282 5722. www.fecca.org.au.