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Julian Burnside, QC said “If all Mr Parkin has done to be assessed a
security risk is to peacefully protest his opinions, then we are in
serious trouble.
“The Govenrment must answer, why is peaceful protesting in Australia enough to justify deporting Mr Parkin?
“No Australian government should deport a person merely for their political beliefs.
“Scott Parkin has instructed lawyers today to lodge an appeal with the Migration Review Tribunal to review the basis on which his visa was withdrawn and hopefully force the Government to reveal the security assessment on Mr Parkin.
“If the government does not reveal the factual basis of the security assessment, this demonstrates that they are able to interfere with people's liberties without ever having to justify their actions.
Greenpeace campaigns director Danny Kennedy said, “The burden of proof in the Scott Parker expulsion case lies morally with the Commonwealth, to prove that he is a danger.
“When the government brought in anti-terror legislation they promised the public that these laws would only be used to confront a real and present risk of a terrorist attack, not a sweep-all approach against citizens.
“Peace is not terrorism. Peace is not a threat to national security. No democratic government should expel a foreign citizen because they oppose his political opinions.
“Greenpeace is providing legal resources to assist Mr Parkin win back his rights.
“Australians cannot afford to let the government get away with setting a draconian precedent like this.
“Already Americans are protesting against the Australian embassy in Washington on this issue,” said Mr Kennedy.
“The Govenrment must answer, why is peaceful protesting in Australia enough to justify deporting Mr Parkin?
“No Australian government should deport a person merely for their political beliefs.
“Scott Parkin has instructed lawyers today to lodge an appeal with the Migration Review Tribunal to review the basis on which his visa was withdrawn and hopefully force the Government to reveal the security assessment on Mr Parkin.
“If the government does not reveal the factual basis of the security assessment, this demonstrates that they are able to interfere with people's liberties without ever having to justify their actions.
Greenpeace campaigns director Danny Kennedy said, “The burden of proof in the Scott Parker expulsion case lies morally with the Commonwealth, to prove that he is a danger.
“When the government brought in anti-terror legislation they promised the public that these laws would only be used to confront a real and present risk of a terrorist attack, not a sweep-all approach against citizens.
“Peace is not terrorism. Peace is not a threat to national security. No democratic government should expel a foreign citizen because they oppose his political opinions.
“Greenpeace is providing legal resources to assist Mr Parkin win back his rights.
“Australians cannot afford to let the government get away with setting a draconian precedent like this.
“Already Americans are protesting against the Australian embassy in Washington on this issue,” said Mr Kennedy.
