The Greens reject the Federal Opposition's outrageous "new" immigration policy that revisits the worst excesses of the Howard Government, according to Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.
Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson on Immigration and Human Rights, says the announcement that the Opposition would re-introduce the cruel and inhumane practice of Temporary Protection Visas for asylum seekers shows Malcolm Turnbull has learned nothing from the failures of his predecessors.
"Malcolm Turnbull has clearly laid his cards on the table on immigration,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.
"His push for Temporary Protection Visas is a disgrace - they were inhumane under the Howard regime, and nothing will change if they are introduced by a future Liberal Government.''
"The Prime Minister must come out quickly and reject this policy - Kevin Rudd needs to prove he is not a wolf in sheep's clothing, and show he has the courage not to join the Opposition's desperate quest for popularity on the back of hateful fear-mongering.''
The Greens have always supported a practical, long-term and humane solution to asylum seekers. Temporary protection visas are in contravention of Australia's international obligations and provide neither a practical, long-term or humane solution.
"Asylum seekers and Australia's international reputation deserve better than this - this cruel relic of our political past should remain buried,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.