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GOVERNOR BACKS ASYLUM SEEKERS

By Peter Ppiros

ADELAIDE, January 2011

South Australian Governor Kevin Scarce has used his Proclamation Day speech to urge South Australians to accept the asylum seekers at the Inverbrackie Detention Centre in the Adelaide Hills.

A ceremony was held at the Old Gum Tree at Glenelg North to mark 174 years since the colony was proclaimed in 1836.

The Governor says South Australians must honour the values of the state's founders and show compassion for asylum seekers.

"The defensive reaction to some of the residents of Inverbrackie made me wonder whether we were in danger of surrendering that most Australian of values- of giving everyone a fair go," he said.

Mr Scarce has also criticised political leaders for failing to encourage informed debate on complex issues such as asylum seekers, leading to community views based on "ignorance and prejudice and the often unfounded fear that they generate".

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and Premier Mike Rann, also attended the ceremony.

The Prime Minister said she has the greatest respect for the first settlers.

"I feel very deeply that we share their vision and imagination, their confidence and optimism," she said.

At present the centre's population stands at 165 but it can accommodate up to a total of 400.

The Cyprus
 News Agency


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