Greens spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Health Hon Alison Xamon MLC has called on the Federal Government to immediately release refugees and asylum seekers from ALL detention centres – to ensure they have the best chance to protect themselves against COVID-19.
Ms Xamon said the risks to people held in WA’s detention centres are the same as people currently in WA prisons – any outbreak of COVID-19 could cost lives, and put added pressure on our state’s medical system.
Greens spokesperson for Health Hon Alison Xamon MLC has echoed calls by the Australian Greens for Australia to immediately follow New Zealand and put in place a full lockdown.
Ms Xamon said that a time limited lockdown in line with New Zealand’s Stage 4 measures, requiring everyone, except those providing essential services, to stay home, and only make physical contact with those they live with, would prevent deaths and reduce the longer term economic impact of the coronavirus.
Greens spokesperson for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Hon Alison Xamon MLC has today called on the Government to ensure people experiencing FDV have access to support services, as the country grapples with the COVID-19 crisis.
Ms Xamon said it was crucial providers were adequately resourced to continue to provide support in these trying times. The call comes amid feedback of additional calls for support from individuals following self-isolation and the pressures of job losses and financial uncertainty.
Greens spokesperson for Corrective Services Hon Alison Xamon MLC has reiterated her call to the Government to consider releasing low-risk prisoners from WA prisons, in a bid to save lives as the COVID-19 crisis worsens.
Ms Xamon said the Minister was effectively sentencing some prisoners to death by refusing to consider some early releases – infection spread-reduction measures which are already underway in New South Wales.
Greens spokesperson for Training and TAFE Hon Alison Xamon MLC has today called on the Government to move TAFE teaching online, and to start working on how best to transition the practical based teaching and assessments, In order to protect students and staff from COVID-19– and to ensure TAFE students are not disadvantaged as the pandemic crisis continues.
