An Open Letter to tony Abbott

Hello Mr Abbott

I was surprised to see reports that if returned to government the Liberal party would be willing to turn seaworthy boats of asylum seekers around and send them presumably somewhere else but here.

Firstly, if this were to occur in international waters, then Australian vessels would have no authority to do such a thing. Secondly, to do so after such vessels reached Australian waters would be to abrogate our obligations under international treaties concerning refugees. (I understand that the Liberal Party has a degree of disdain for such UN treaties, presumably because agreeing to something that was the idea of the UN somehow undermines our sovereignty).

There is a debate raging in some quarters at the moment about the place of religious values in the political system, and it seems to be stimulated by the obvious ways in which you and the Prime Minister profess and speak about your faith. I think the debate is a nonsense, as if all the social institutions of society must become religion-free zones so as to ensure that one's faith or non-faith is not offended.

However, one thing that I have noticed, and would draw your attention to is that most people, whether they are Christian or secular, understand the term "Good Samaritan", and they understand this term because it has become a metaphor for how to live in society - caring for others, especially if they are in a spot. Your suggestion that boatloads of asylum-seekers be turned away is an afront to deeply held Australian Values that all applicants for visas are informed are the norms in Australia and which they are required to pledge to uphold:

I confirm that I have read, or had explained to me, information provided by the Australian Government on Australian society and values.

I understand:

* Australian society values respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, Parliamentary democracy, equality of men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good
* Australian society values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background
* the English language, as the national language, is an important unifying element of Australian society.

I undertake to respect these values of Australian society during my stay in Australia and to obey the laws of Australia.

http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/values/statement/long/



You, as a professed Christian person and in fact one who has explored the Christian faith at greater depth than many when you were in seminary for a while, must see the disconnect between what you profess as a Christian person and what you want to promote as a policy position for your Party.

Please do not take the Liberal Party "Back to the Future." It was bad policy in the past and will be bad policy in the future.