Greens’ multicultural spokesperson, Senator Richard Di Natale, has condemned Immigration Department’s advice about onshore processing.

“The Immigration Department’s advice that onshore processing is a threat to social harmony is a return to White Australia thinking,” said Senator Di Natale.

“You could be forgiven for thinking it was an archived policy document from the 1950s.”

The Senator is calling for the government to see past this backward advice and instead remind the community that there are no second class citizens in this country.

“Prime Minister Gillard should remember that multiculturalism is one of this country’s greatest success stories and a pillar of strength in Australian society,” said Di Natale.

“The modern Australian story is one of many cultures coming together, enhancing each other’s lives and sharing in the promise this country holds.”

The Senator said that any threat to social harmony is the result of today’s bitter and divisive politics towards refugees and asylum seekers.

“The most important factor in creating unrest in the Australian community is the attack from both major parties on vulnerable people who need our protection.”

Media contact: Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600