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Author: Kerry Murphy

  • ARTS AND CULTURE

    To Kill A Mockingbird and asylum seeker justice

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 09 July 2010
    11 Comments

    Atticus works within the system and hopes thereby to reform it. He wonders 'why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro come up'. Many lawyers will understand the challenge of working for the unpopular 'other': just replace 'Negro' with asylum seeker, or Muslim women in burqas.

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Abbott's immigration paranoia

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 17 May 2010
    25 Comments

    Abbott's 'red arrows' asulym seeker ad is reminiscent of the 'reds under the beds' hysteria of the '50s and '60s. With an election on the way, the immigration policy reform agenda has been put aside as both Government and Opposition harden their policies.

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Immigration control versus human rights

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 30 March 2010
    4 Comments

    Once again the coalition is inflaming passions about what is actually an insignificant number of people arriving in Australian waters and claiming asylum. Unfortunately the Government is getting caught up in this debate because it insists on maintaining the excision and Christmas Island Centre.

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Getting the balance right on border protection

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 02 November 2009
    3 Comments

    When debating key issues such as the balance between sovereignty and the human rights of asylum seekers, we can sometimes forget that we're dealing with people. What's clear for advocates can pose difficulties for politicians.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Refugee hysteria breeding Pacific Solution 2.0

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 15 October 2009
    17 Comments

    A hysterical response to the arrival of boats in Australia could undo the progress we have made away from unjust policy. Most asylum seekers have already experienced serious trauma. To return to a temporary visa regime will separate families for years and cause anxiety.

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Getting fair, not tough, on immigration

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 07 October 2009
    13 Comments

    Homosexuals in Iran and allegedly 'adulterous' women in some countries are at risk of execution. Such cases may not qualify for refugee status in Australia, but would benefit from a 'complementary protection' Bill currently before Parliament.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Immigration reform review

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 11 September 2009
    1 Comment

    On Wednesday, the Senate made two decisions which take immigration reform forward. The reforms were approved with the support of the Greens and Independents, and one Liberal Senator. Reading the Hansard gives some insight into the current debate.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Liberal Senator's immigration heroism

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 11 September 2009
    6 Comments

    Senator Judith Troeth is one of few Liberals who have spoken out against harsh features of immigration policy under Howard. In crossing the floor to vote with the Government this week, she said the Liberal Party 'has a proud story to tell on immigration, but both parties over the last 50 years have written some bleak chapters too'

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Migration reform good news at last

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 01 July 2009
    1 Comment

    'Migration reform' rarely has positive connotations when dealing with refugees and asylum seekers. As asylum seekers continue to reach Australia by boat, reforms to Labor's immigration policies point to a more just approach.

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  • ARTS AND CULTURE

    Beyond the Iraq fiasco

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 19 June 2009

    The US strategy now recognises that success in an insurgency conflict is slow. It can only take place when the occupying forces realise the important thing is to protect the Iraqi people, not to focus on killing the 'bad guys'.

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  • ARTS AND CULTURE

    Beginners guide to Middle East politics

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 29 May 2009
    4 Comments

    An old joke goes that if you understand Middle East politics, it has not been explained properly. This book places events in their historical context, and illustrates why the conflict, with its religious and political dimensions, is so difficult to resolve.

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  • ARTS AND CULTURE

    What sort of person would work for a dictator

    • Kerry Murphy
    • 08 May 2009

    Kamel Sachet, a 'hero' from the Iran/Iraq war, eventually made the rank of general. But he grew disenchanted with the rule of Saddam. As he tried to withdraw from active service, he became more religious as an observant Muslim.

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