By Rowan Forster
Both of Cardinia Shire’s federal representatives have broken ranks within the Liberal Party, imploring Prime Minister Scott Morrison to stage a humanitarian intervention and vacate Nauru.
While Monash MP Russell Broadbent has often been outspoken about the Pacific Island detention centre, Latrobe MP Jason Wood has now also thrown his support behind the movement.
It comes as more than 80 children and their asylum-seeker parents are reportedly languishing on the island, with some requiring access to urgent medical treatment.
Speaking to the Gazette on Tuesday, Mr Broadbent said he believes the public’s opinion has shifted – showing further sympathy for the refugees.
“My position hasn’t changed, but I believe the public’s opinion has changed,” he said.
“I’m only tapping into the information I receive as a local member, and it is an issue people care about.
“I’ve spoken to the Prime Minister and Minister and we’re working through the issue.
“It doesn’t matter where I turn; I am confronted with children on Nauru.”
It comes after the government backbencher made an impassioned plea in parliament last year, calling for the situation on Nauru to be resolved.
Speaking about international relations, Mr Broadbent first revealed his stance.
I’m happy that the process with the Americans is working its way through, very effectively, at this time, and there will be a resolution,” he said.
“Once that time comes, it will be time for this nation, through its parliament, to act and resolve the situation on Manus and Nauru.”
The United States has welcomed 418 people from Manus Island and Nauru, including 65 health professionals.
According to international media reports, up to 22 children in the centre are refusing to ingest food or fluid.
Mr Wood told the Gazette he was thoroughly in support of Mr Broadbent’s push.
“When it comes to the kids, I agree the kids’ health must come first,” he said.
“Being a colleague and a friend, I’d listen to Russell more than anyone else and I’m more than happy to work with him to fix this situation.”
“I raised my concerns under John Howard when you had kids sewing up their lips.
“I’d never seen anything like that in the police force.”
While Mr Wood wanted the children taken off the islands, he stressed that there were many misconceptions circulating about their treatment.
“There’s no child in detention – they’re on Nauru Island and they can wander around,” he said.
“They aren’t behind barbed wire and bars like some suggest.”
“And the reason we’re here is because Labor and the Greens allowed 50,000 boat arrivals into the country.”
