ONE of the Townsville organisers of a campaign to release an Afghani refugee from detention has described a “deafening silence” from Immigration Minister Scott Morrison on the matter.
Townsville diocese’s Sacred Heart Cathedral parish manager Steve Sutton said the refugee, Patrick Wilson, a respected community member had been held in a Darwin detention centre since September 30.
Mr Wilson, 30, who became a Catholic last year, changed his Afghani name in September to reflect his respect for his main mentors through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program, Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson and Christian Brother Patrick Cronin.
He was put into detention after travelling to Cairns for what he thought was a regular Department of Immigration and Citizenship meeting with departmental officers about his bridging visa as there is no DIAC office in Townsville.
Mr Sutton said Knights of the Southern Cross branches around Australia had also thrown their weight behind the campaign collecting thousands of signatures.
Federal Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews, a Catholic and a member of the Knights of the Southern Cross, is among those who have been petitioned.
“The appeal asks for prayer for Patrick and for parishioners to solicit the (Immigration Minister) Scott Morrison to urgently intervene for one of our parishioners,” Mr Sutton said.
“What we want to know is: why have Patrick locked up when he could be celebrating Christmas in a community which cares for him?”
Mr Morrison said “there were no plans to enforce the individual’s immediate removal”.
“However, people who have exhausted all outstanding avenues to remain in Australia and have no lawful basis to remain are expected to depart,” he said.
