The trio share their strong views on the deeply divisive issue in a series of videos for the ‘We’re Better Than This’ movement, which describes itself as having “grown from a decision by ordinary Australians to do something about the extraordinary cruelty of our Government towards the hundreds of innocent children in detention/deterrence camps.”
Actress Rachel Ward.
Actress Rachel Ward.
Actress Rachel Ward.
In her video, Rachel Ward, who is also a director and writer, says, “I believe every child deserves a solid night’s sleep. In detention, they are woken with a torch shining in their face. We’re better than this.”
Businesswomen Janet Holmes à Court.
Businesswomen Janet Holmes à Court.
Businesswomen Janet Holmes à Court.
The campaign comes as Immigration Minister Scott Morrison announced the Australian Government will no longer resettle those asylum seekers found to be refugees by the UN in Indonesia who register after July next year.
Media personality Ita Buttrose.
Media personality Ita Buttrose.
Media personality Ita Buttrose.
See the heartbreaking drawings by kids in detention
Actors Bryan Brown and Deb Mailman, model Imogen Bailey, former Wallaby captain George Gregan and film critic Margaret Pomerantz also feature on the organisation’s website, which points out that “over 700 children are currently detained indefinitely by the Australian Government.”
Former rugby player and Wallabies captain George Gregan.
Former rugby player and Wallabies captain George Gregan.
Former rugby player and Wallabies captain George Gregan.
Ita Buttrose, who is a panellist on Network Ten’s Studio 10 program, says, “I believe every child needs to feel safe and natured. In Australian detention centres children are frequently exposed to adult stress, including suicide and mental breakdown. We’re better than this.”
“I believe every child deserves to have hope,” says Janet Holmes a Court in her video. “And in detention there is no hope around for young children.”
Actor Bryan Brown.
Actor Bryan Brown.
Actor Bryan Brown.
The movement is calling on supporters to take action by writing to their local MP or uploading their own video.
To see the videos in full go to the We’re Better Than This website.
