MEDIA RELEASE

NATIONAL
GPO BOX 573, GOODWOOD SA 5034
Phone: (08) 7070 6070 Fax: (08) 7070 6050
sadems711@internode.on.net

SUNDAY, 06 SEPTEMBER 2015

JEANIE WALKER
PRESIDENT, SA DEMOCRATS
NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS

AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS PRESIDENT OFFERS HOME TO

SYRIAN/IRAQI REFUGEES
On the back of the Finland Prime Minister offering his home to asylum seekers, the Australian Democrats
SA President has reiterated her home as a sanctuary for asylum seekers. This has been previously
highlighted in an SBS story ''Aussie Mum opens home to asylum seekers''.
ABC news reports: Finland's prime minister Juha Sipil has promised to open his own home to
asylum seekers coming to the country and has urged all Finns to help with the refugee crisis.
Mr Sipil, who spends most of his time in Helsinki, said his home in Kempele in the country's north
was little used at the moment and would house asylum seekers from the start of next year.
"We should all take a look in the mirror and ask how we can help," Mr Sipil told national
broadcaster YLE.
South Australian Democrats President Jeanie Walker, who has welcomed asylum seekers into her home for
over 3 years, has applauded the move.
''Our family has had asylum seekers stay in our home for over 3 years now and although it can be
challenging at times, it is something that we should all consider if we have the room.
"2 years ago my daughters and I purchased a house with more bedrooms so we could assist more asylum
seekers. We can now take 3-4 people at a time and would happily do so.
''My concern is that this Australian Government is not even acknowledging that there is a problem''. says Ms
Walker "stopping the boats is no longer an option, and the Australian people need to be educated on the
reality and the unprecedented scale of this devastating emergency".
"This is a global disaster and there needs to be a global response".
"Tony Abbott is sticking his head in the sand if he thinks that turning back boats and making this the problem
of other countries less able to assist, is a viable long term solution. He thinks it wins him votes."
"This is a human disaster and 'whacking a virtual fence up' around Australia would be laughable if it wasn't
actually being implemented. Particularly at a time when the government is looking to go back into Syria and
bomb the country all over again!''
"The Australian people are being sold an unrealistic view of the world and our obligations''.

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"Yes the refugee crisis will impact on Australia. No there isn't a way around that in 3 words like ''stop the
boats''.
"Yes some things will have to change and resources may be stretched" says Ms Walker, "But Australian's
need to have the chance to show that we are a compassionate people willing to make a few sacrifices to
help people with no future and no hope get a 'Fair go'".
"I for one am willing to continue to stand up and help where I can, and so are many other Australians if given
the chance," concluded Ms Walker.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeanie Walker
0427 076 336
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-05/finland-pm-offers-own-home-to-asylum-seekers/6752778
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/03/06/aussie-mum-opens-home-asylum-seekers